U.S. patent application number 15/973626 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-13 for remote distributed antenna system.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. Invention is credited to Donald J. Barnickel, Farhad Barzegar, George Blandino, Irwin Gerszberg, Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III.
Application Number | 20180263022 15/973626 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57452758 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180263022 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barzegar; Farhad ; et
al. |
September 13, 2018 |
Remote Distributed Antenna System
Abstract
A distributed antenna system is provided that frequency shifts
the output of one or more microcells to a 60 GHz or higher
frequency range for transmission to a set of distributed antennas.
The cellular band outputs of these microcell base station devices
are used to modulate a 60 GHz (or higher) carrier wave, yielding a
group of subcarriers on the 60 GHz carrier wave. This group will
then be transmitted in the air via analog microwave RF unit, after
which it can be repeated or radiated to the surrounding area. The
repeaters amplify the signal and resend it on the air again toward
the next repeater. In places where a microcell is required, the 60
GHz signal is shifted in frequency back to its original frequency
(e.g., the 1.9 GHz cellular band) and radiated locally to nearby
mobile devices.
Inventors: |
Barzegar; Farhad;
(Branchburg, NJ) ; Henry; Paul Shala; (Holmdel,
NJ) ; Blandino; George; (Bridgewater, NJ) ;
Gerszberg; Irwin; (Kendall Park, NJ) ; Barnickel;
Donald J.; (Flemington, NJ) ; Willis, III; Thomas
M.; (Tinton Falls, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AT&T Intellectual Property I,
L.P.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
57452758 |
Appl. No.: |
15/973626 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15179193 |
Jun 10, 2016 |
9999038 |
|
|
15973626 |
|
|
|
|
13907246 |
May 31, 2013 |
9525524 |
|
|
15179193 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 7/15542 20130101;
H04W 72/042 20130101; H04B 7/2612 20130101; H04W 88/085 20130101;
H04L 5/0023 20130101; H04L 5/0003 20130101; H04L 5/0048 20130101;
H04B 7/155 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 72/04 20060101
H04W072/04; H04L 5/00 20060101 H04L005/00; H04B 7/26 20060101
H04B007/26; H04B 7/155 20060101 H04B007/155 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: communication circuitry that facilitates
operations, the operations comprising: receiving a signal operating
in a frequency band, the signal being modulated according to a
signaling protocol; frequency shifting the signal without modifying
the signaling protocol by mixing a carrier wave signal with the
signal to generate a frequency-shifted signal; generating a
transmission based on a combination of the frequency-shifted signal
and a reference signal; and directing the transmission wirelessly
to a first remote antenna system of a distributed antenna system,
the reference signal enabling the first remote antenna system to
reduce signal distortion when reconverting the frequency-shifted
signal to the signal in the frequency band.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal is provided by a base
station device.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal distortion comprises
phase distortion.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the combination comprises
combining the frequency-shifted signal with the reference signal
and with a control channel comprising instructions to direct the
first remote antenna system to reconvert the frequency-shifted
signal to the signal in the frequency band.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the reference signal is modulated
with the instructions in the control channel.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the reference signal is modulated
with a clock signal to enable the first remote antenna system to
receive the instructions in the control channel.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal conforms to a first
signaling protocol of a plurality of signaling protocols, and
wherein the first signaling protocol comprises a Long-Term
Evolution (LTE) wireless protocol or a fifth generation cellular
communications protocol.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the carrier wave signal is
utilized to frequency shift the signal into a corresponding
frequency channel of a downlink spectral segment.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the frequency shifting comprises
up-converting the signal to the frequency-shifted signal.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the reconverting by the first
remote antenna system comprises down-converting the
frequency-shifted signal to the signal in the frequency band.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the frequency shifting comprises
down-converting the signal to the frequency-shifted signal.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the reconverting by the first
remote antenna system comprises up-converting the frequency-shifted
signal to the signal in the frequency band.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiving the signal
comprises receiving the signal originally in another frequency band
that differs from the frequency band, and wherein the first remote
antenna system wirelessly distributes the signal in the frequency
band to a communication device.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the first remote antenna system
facilitates retransmission of at least a portion of the reference
signal and at least a portion of the frequency-shifted signal to a
second remote antenna system, at least the portion of the reference
signal enabling the second remote antenna system to reduce signal
distortion.
15. A method, comprising: receiving, by a circuit, a signal
operating in a frequency band, the signal being modulated according
to a signaling protocol; frequency shifting, by the circuit, the
signal without modifying the signaling protocol by mixing a carrier
wave signal with the signal to generate a frequency-shifted signal;
and generating, by the circuit, a wireless transmission based on a
combined signal, the combined signal comprising a combination of
the frequency-shifted signal and a reference signal, the reference
signal enabling a remote antenna system of a distributed antenna
system to reduce signal distortion when reconverting the
frequency-shifted signal to the signal in the frequency band.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the signal is provided by a
base station device.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the base station device
provides the signal in another frequency band that differs from the
frequency band.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the wireless transmission
further includes a control channel including instructions that
direct the remote antenna system to reconvert the frequency-shifted
signal to the signal in the frequency band for wireless delivery to
a communication device.
19. A first system of a distributed antenna system, comprising: an
antenna system; and communication circuitry that facilitates
operations, the operations comprising: wirelessly receiving, by the
antenna system, a first frequency-shifted signal, a second
frequency-shifted signal, and a first reference signal from a
second system of the distributed antenna system, the second system
facilitating a first frequency shifting of a first signal operating
in a first frequency band to the first frequency-shifted signal
without modifying a first signaling protocol used to modulate the
first signal, and the second system facilitating a second frequency
shifting of a second signal operating in a second frequency band to
the second frequency-shifted signal without modifying a second
signaling protocol used to modulate the second signal; performing a
third frequency shifting of the first frequency-shifted signal to
the first signal in the first frequency band for wireless delivery
to a first communication device, the third frequency shifting
utilizing the first reference signal to reduce signal distortion
during the third frequency shifting; and retransmitting, by the
antenna system, the second frequency-shifted signal and a second
reference signal to a third system of the distributed antenna
system, the second reference signal enabling the third system to
reduce signal distortion when reconverting the second
frequency-shifted signal to the second signal in the second
frequency band for wireless delivery to a second communication
device.
20. The first system of claim 19, wherein the wirelessly receiving
further includes receiving a control channel comprising
instructions that direct the first system to retransmit the second
frequency-shifted signal, and wherein the second reference signal
comprises a retransmission of the first reference signal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/179,193, filed Jun. 10, 2016, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/907,246, filed May 31, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,525,524). All
sections of the aforementioned application(s) and patent(s) are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The subject disclosure relates to wireless communications,
e.g., to providing a remote distributed antenna system using
signals in defined bands, such as microwaves.
BACKGROUND
[0003] As smart phones and other portable devices increasingly
become ubiquitous, and data usage skyrockets, macrocell base
stations and existing wireless infrastructure are being
overwhelmed. To provide additional mobile bandwidth, small cell
deployment is being pursued, with microcells and picocells
providing coverage for much smaller areas than traditional
macrocells, but at high expense.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a distributed antenna system in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a distributed antenna system in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a distributed antenna launcher system in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a distributed antenna repeater system in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a distributed antenna launcher system in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a distributed antenna repeater system in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a millimeter band antenna apparatus in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method for providing a distributed
antenna system as described herein.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a computing environment in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a mobile network platform in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0014] FIG. 11A is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a communication system in accordance
with various aspects described herein.
[0015] FIG. 11B is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a portion of the communication system of
FIG. 11A in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0016] FIGS. 11C and 11D are block diagrams illustrating example,
non-limiting embodiments of a communication node of the
communication system of FIG. 11A in accordance with various aspects
described herein.
[0017] FIG. 12A is a graphical diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of downlink and uplink communication
techniques for enabling a base station to communicate with
communication nodes in accordance with various aspects described
herein.
[0018] FIG. 12B is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a communication node in accordance with
various aspects described herein.
[0019] FIG. 12C is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a communication node in accordance with
various aspects described herein.
[0020] FIG. 12D is a graphical diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a frequency spectrum in accordance with
various aspects described herein.
[0021] FIG. 12E is a graphical diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a frequency spectrum in accordance with
various aspects described herein.
[0022] FIG. 12F is a graphical diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a frequency spectrum in accordance with
various aspects described herein.
[0023] FIG. 12G is a graphical diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a frequency spectrum in accordance with
various aspects described herein.
[0024] FIG. 12H is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a transmitter in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0025] FIG. 12I is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a receiver in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0026] FIG. 13A illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0027] FIG. 13B illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0028] FIG. 13C illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0029] FIG. 13D illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0030] FIG. 13E illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0031] FIG. 13F illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0032] FIG. 13G illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0033] FIG. 13H illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0034] FIG. 13I illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0035] FIG. 13J illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0036] FIG. 13K illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] One or more embodiments are now described with reference to
the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to
like elements throughout. In the following description, for
purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in
order to provide a thorough understanding of the various
embodiments. It is evident, however, that the various embodiments
can be practiced without these specific details (and without
applying to any particular networked environment or standard).
[0038] To provide network connectivity for increasing numbers of
mobile devices, a distributed antenna system is provided that
allows one or more base stations to have antennas that are
distributed over a wide area. Small cell deployments can be used to
supplement the traditional macrocellular deployments and require a
pervasive and high capacity network to support them.
[0039] Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a microwave
system that carries the output signals of one or more microcells
(or picocells, femtocells, and other types of small cell
deployments) on a carrier wave that has a frequency corresponding
to a millimeter-wave band (e.g., 60 GHz and higher). However,
various embodiments disclosed here can operate at nearly any
microwave frequency. A cluster of one or more microcell base
station devices can be housed at a launching point, and serve
several microcells in its vicinity. The RF (radio frequency)
outputs of these microcell base station devices can be used to
modulate a 60 GHz (or higher) carrier wave, yielding a group of
subcarriers on the 60 GHz carrier wave. This group will then be
transmitted in the air via an especially designed analog microwave
RF unit, after which it can be repeated or radiated to the
surrounding area. The repeaters amplify the signal and resend it on
the air again toward the next repeater. In places where a microcell
is required, the 60 GHz signal is shifted in frequency back to its
original frequency (e.g., the 1.9 GHz cellular band) and radiated
locally to nearby mobile devices.
[0040] As the 60 GHz carrier hops from one antenna site to the
next, various subcarriers can be added or dropped depending on the
traffic requirements of that site. The selection of channels to be
added or dropped can be controlled dynamically as traffic loads
shift. The return signals from the mobile devices can be modulated
to another frequency in the 60 GHz range and can be sent back in
the opposite direction to the original launching point. In another
embodiment, time-division duplexing can be used and the return
signals can be at the same frequency as the original signals. The
repeaters thus essentially space shift the microcell base station
devices from the launching point location to other places via radio
hops from one utility pole to another. The launcher and repeaters
can frequency shift the cellular signals via an analog process
(modulating the carrier wave) in such a way the system is scalable
and flexible, allowing additional microcells and antenna sites to
be added as well as being communication protocol agnostic. The
system disclosed herein will work for current cellular
communication protocols just as well as it will work for future
deployments.
[0041] For these considerations as well as other considerations, in
one or more embodiments, a system includes a memory to store
instructions and a processor, coupled to the memory to facilitate
execution of the instructions to perform operations including
facilitating receipt of a first signal from a base station device,
wherein the first signal is determined to be in a cellular band.
The operations include modulating a carrier wave signal with the
first signal and generating a transmission based on the carrier
wave signal and the first signal. The operations can also include
directing the transmission to a remote antenna wirelessly.
[0042] Another embodiment includes a memory to store instructions
and a processor, coupled to the memory to facilitate execution of
the instructions to perform operations including receiving a first
wireless transmission. The operations can also include extracting a
signal from the first wireless transmission, where the signal is in
a cellular band frequency. The operations can also include
transmitting the signal to a mobile device and retransmitting the
first wireless transmission.
[0043] In another embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a
device including a processor, a defined high frequency transmission
directed to a remote antenna. The method can also include
identifying a signal from a plurality of signals, that is
determined to be associated with the remote antenna, where the
plurality of signals are carried in a plurality of channels with
the defined high frequency transmission. The method can then
include extracting the signal, transmitting the signal directed to
a mobile device, and retransmitting the defined high frequency
transmission directed to another remote antenna.
[0044] Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated is an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a distributed antenna system 100 in
accordance with various aspects described herein. System 100
includes one or more microcell base stations (shown in more detail
in FIGS. 3 and 5) at base station device 114 that is communicably
coupled to a network connection via a physical connection (e.g.,
wired or optical) to a mobile network. In some embodiments, the
base station device 114 can be communicably coupled to a macrocell
site or the site's network connection. Macrocells can have
dedicated connections to the mobile network, and base station
device 114 can share the macrocell site's connection. Base station
device 114 can be mounted on, or attached to light pole 102. In
some embodiments, the base station device 114 can be mounted on
utility poles, or other raised structures. In some embodiments, the
base station device 114 can be installed on or near the ground.
[0045] Base station device 114 can provide connectivity for mobile
devices 120 and 122. Antennas 116 and 118, mounted on or near
launcher 108 or repeaters 110 and 112 on light poles (or utility
poles or other structures) 102, 104, and 106 can receive signals
from base station device 114 and transmit those signals to mobile
devices 120 and 122 over a much wider area than if the antennas 116
and 118 were located at or near base station device 114.
[0046] It is to be appreciated that FIG. 1 displays three light
poles, with one base station device, for purposes of simplicity. In
other embodiments, light pole 102 can have more base station
devices, and one or more light poles with distributed antennas are
possible. In some embodiments, there can be launchers and/or
repeaters without antennas. Antennas can be communicably coupled to
launchers and/or repeaters in areas where microcell deployments are
required or can be spaced out to avoid excessive overlap.
[0047] Launcher 108 can receive the signals from the base station
device 114 that are directed at mobile devices 120 and 122 and
modulate a 60 GHz carrier wave, yielding a group of subcarriers on
the 60 GHz carrier. The launcher 108 can then transmit the carrier
wave to repeaters within range, in this case, repeater 110.
Repeater 110 can extract the signal directed toward mobile device
120 from the carrier wave, and radiate the signal to the mobile
device 120 via antenna 116. Repeater 110 can then retransmit the
carrier wave to repeater 112, where repeater 112 extracts the
signal directed at mobile device 122 and radiates the signal via
antenna 118. Repeater 112 can then retransmit the carrier wave
transmission to the next repeater. The repeaters 110 and 112 can
also amplify the transmission before retransmitting using a
combination of low noise amplifiers and power amplifiers.
[0048] In various embodiments, the repeaters 110 and 112 and/or
antennas 116 and 118 can be assigned to channels that correspond to
predetermined bandwidth ranges in the carrier wave. The repeaters
110 and 112 can extract the assigned signals from the carrier wave,
wherein the signals correspond to the channels and or bandwidths
corresponding to the repeaters and/or antennas. In this way, the
antennas 116 and 118 radiate the correct signal for the microcell
area. In other embodiments, the carrier wave can include a control
channel that contains metadata that indicates which of the
subcarriers correspond to the antennas 116 and 118, and so
repeaters 110 and 112 extract the appropriate signal.
[0049] As the 60 GHz carrier wave hops from one radiator site to
another, various subcarriers can be added or dropped, depending on
the traffic requirements of that site. The selection of channels to
be added or dropped can be controlled dynamically as traffic load
shifts.
[0050] When mobile devices 120 and/or 122 send signals back to the
mobile network, antennas 116 and/or 118 receive those signals and
repeaters 110 and/or 112 use the signals to modulate another
carrier wave (e.g., are shifted to 60 GHz in the analog domain) and
then the carrier wave is transmitted back to the launcher 108 where
the signals from mobile devices 120 an/or 122 are extracted and
delivered to base station device 114.
[0051] Turning now to FIG. 2, a block diagram illustrating an
example, non-limiting embodiment of a distributed antenna system
200 in accordance with various aspects described herein is shown.
System 200 includes one or more microcell base station devices
(shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 5) at base station 214 that is
communicably coupled to a network connection via a physical
connection (e.g., wired or optical) to a mobile network. In some
embodiments, the base station 214 can be communicably coupled to a
macrocell site or the site's network connection. Macrocells can
have dedicated connections to the mobile network, and base station
214 can share the macrocell site's network connection. Base station
214 can be mounted on, or attached to light pole 202. In some
embodiments, the base station 214 can be mounted on utility poles,
or other raised structures. In some embodiments, the base station
214 can be installed on or near the ground.
[0052] FIG. 2 depicts a different embodiment than that shown in
FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, unlike in FIG. 1, the transmission hop between
light poles 204 and 206 can be implemented using a carrier wave
that is sent via a power line (e.g., a surface wave), or via an
underground conduit (e.g., a pipe) as a guided electromagnetic
wave. In some embodiments, the transmission 220 can be sent down a
wire or other traditional datalink.
[0053] Whatever the transmission means, the functionality is
similar to FIG. 1, where launcher 208 can receive the signals from
the base station 214 that are directed at mobile devices 216 and
218 and modulate a 60 GHz carrier wave, yielding a group of
subcarriers on the 60 GHz carrier. The launcher 208 can then
transmit the carrier wave to repeaters within range, in this case,
repeater 222. Repeater 210 can extract the signal directed toward
mobile device 216 from the carrier wave, and radiate the signal to
the mobile device 216 via antenna 222. Repeater 210 can then
retransmit the carrier wave via the physical link or as a surface
wave over a power line to repeater 212, where repeater 212 extracts
the signal directed at mobile device 218 and radiates the signal
via antenna 224. Repeater 212 can then retransmit the carrier wave
transmission to the next repeater. The repeaters 210 and 212 can
also amplify the transmission before retransmitting using a
combination of low noise amplifiers and power amplifiers.
[0054] Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrated is a block diagram of an
example, non-limiting embodiment of a distributed antenna launcher
system 300 in accordance with various aspects described herein.
FIG. 3 shows in more detail the base station 104 and launcher 106
described in FIG. 1. A base station 302 can include a router 304
and a microcell base station device 308 (or picocell, femtocell, or
other small cell deployment). The base station 302 can receive an
external network connection 306 that is linked to existing
infrastructure. The network connection 306 can be physical (such as
fiber or cable) or wireless (such as a high-bandwidth microwave
connection). The existing infrastructure that the network
connection 306 can be linked to, can in some embodiments be
macrocell sites. For those macrocell sites that have high data rate
network connections, base station 302 can share the network
connection with the macrocell site.
[0055] The router 304 can provide connectivity for microcell base
station device 308 which facilitates communications with the mobile
devices. While FIG. 3 shows that base station 302 has one microcell
base station device, in other embodiments, the base station 302 can
include two or more microcell base station devices. The RF output
of microcell base station device 308 can be used to modulate a 60
GHz signal and be connected via fiber to an out door unit ("ODU")
310. ODU 310 can be any of a variety of microwave antennas that can
receive and transmit microwave signals. In some embodiments, ODU
unit can be a millimeter-wave band antenna apparatus as shown in
FIG. 7.
[0056] Turning now to FIG. 4, a block diagram illustrating an
example, non-limiting embodiment of a distributed antenna repeater
system 400 in accordance with various aspects described herein is
shown. ODU 402 can receive a millimeter-wave transmission sent from
another ODU at a repeater or a launcher. The transmission can be a
carrier wave with a plurality of subcarrier signals. A repeater 406
can receive the transmission and an analog tap and modulator 408
can extract a signal from the plurality of subcarrier signals and
radiate the signal via an antenna 410 to a mobile device. The
analog tap and modulator 408 can also amplify the transmission
received by ODU 402 and retransmit the carrier wave to another
repeater or launcher via ODU 404.
[0057] Antenna 410 can also receive a communication protocol signal
from a mobile device, and analog tap and modulator 408 can use the
signal to modulate another carrier wave, and ODUs 402 or 404 can
send the carrier wave transmission on to a base station device.
[0058] With reference to FIG. 5, a block diagram illustrating an
example, non-limiting embodiment of a distributed antenna launcher
system 500 in accordance with various aspects described herein is
shown. System 500 includes microcell base station devices 504, 506,
and 508 that transmit to and receive signals from mobile devices
that are in their respective cells. It is to be appreciated that
system 500 is shown with 3 microcell base station devices purely
for exemplary reasons. In other embodiments, a base station site,
or cluster can contain one or more microcell base station
devices.
[0059] The outputs of the microcell base station devices 504, 506,
and 508 can be combined with a millimeter wave carrier wave
generated by a local oscillator 514 at frequency mixers 522, 520,
and 518 respectively. Frequency mixers 522, 520, and 518 can use
heterodyning techniques to frequency shift the signals from
microcell base station devices 504, 506, and 508. This can be done
in the analog domain, and as a result the frequency shifting can be
done without regard to the type of communications protocol that
microcell base station devices 504, 506, and 508 use. Over time, as
new communications technologies are developed, the microcell base
station devices 504, 506, and 508 can be upgraded or replaced and
the frequency shifting and transmission apparatus can remain,
simplifying upgrades.
[0060] The controller 510 can generate the control signal that
accompanies the carrier wave, and GPS module 512 can synchronize
the frequencies for the control signal such that the exact
frequencies can be determined. The GPS module 512 can also provide
a time reference for the distributed antenna system.
[0061] Multiplexer/demultiplexer 524 can frequency division
multiplex the signals from frequency mixers 518, 520, and 522 in
accordance with the control signal from controller 510. Each of the
signals can assigned channels on the carrier wave, and the control
signal can provide information indicating the microcell signals
that correspond to each channel.
[0062] ODU unit 502 can also receive transmissions sent by
repeaters, where the transmission's carrier wave are carrying
signals directed at the microcell base station devices 504, 506,
and 508 from mobile devices. Multiplexer/demultiplexer 524 can
separate the subcarrier signals from each other and direct them to
the correct microcells based on the channels of the signals, or
based on metadata in the control signal. The frequency mixers 518,
520, and 522 can then extract the signals from the carrier wave and
direct the signals to the corresponding microcells.
[0063] Turning now to FIG. 6, a block diagram illustrating an
example, non-limiting embodiment of a distributed antenna repeater
system 600 in accordance with various aspects described herein is
shown. Repeater system 600 includes ODUs 602 and 604 that receive
and transmit transmissions from launchers and other repeaters.
[0064] In various embodiments, ODU 602 can receive a transmission
from a launcher with a plurality of subcarriers. Diplexer 606 can
separate the transmission from other transmissions that the ODU 602
is sending, and direct the transmission to low noise amplifier
("LNA") 608. A frequency mixer 628, with help from a local
oscillator 612, can downshift the transmission (which is at or
above 60 GHz) to the cellular band (.about.1.9 GHz). An extractor
632 can extract the signal on the subcarrier that corresponds to
antenna 622 and direct the signal to the antenna 622. For the
signals that are not being radiated at this antenna location,
extractor 632 can redirect them to another frequency mixer 636,
where the signals are used to modulate a carrier wave generated by
local oscillator 614. The carrier wave, with its subcarriers, is
directed to a power amplifier ("PA") 616 and is retransmitted by
ODU 604 to another repeater, via diplexer 620.
[0065] At the antenna 622, a PA 624 can boost the signal for
transmission to the mobile device. An LNA 626 can be used to
amplify weak signals that are received from the mobile device and
then send the signal to a multiplexer 634 which merges the signal
with signals that have been received from ODU 604. The signals
received from ODU 604 have been split by diplexer 620, and then
passed through LNA 618, and downshifted in frequency by frequency
mixer 638. When the signals are combined by multiplexer 634, they
are upshifted in frequency by frequency mixer 630, and then boosted
by PA 610, and transmitted back to the launcher or another repeater
by ODU 602.
[0066] Turning now to FIG. 7, a block diagram illustrating an
example, non-limiting embodiment of a millimeter-wave band antenna
apparatus 700 in accordance with various aspects described herein
is shown. The radio repeater 704 can have a plastic cover 702 to
protect the radio antennas 706. The radio repeater 704 can be
mounted to a utility pole, light pole, or other structure 708 with
a mounting arm 710. The radio repeater can also receive power via
power cord 712 and output the signal to a nearby microcell using
fiber or cable 714.
[0067] In some embodiments, the radio repeater 704 can include 16
antennas. These antennas can be arranged radially, and each can
have approximately 24 degrees of azimuthal beamwidth. There can
thus be a small overlap between each antennas beamwidths. The radio
repeater 704, when transmitting, or receiving transmissions, can
automatically select the best sector antenna to use for the
connections based on signal measurements such as signal strength,
signal to noise ratio, etc. Since the radio repeater 704 can
automatically select the antennas to use, in one embodiment,
precise antenna alignment is not implemented, nor are stringent
requirements on mounting structure twist, tilt, and sway.
[0068] In some embodiments, the radio repeater 704 can include an
apparatus such as repeater system 600 or 400 within the apparatus,
thus enabling a self-contained unit to be a repeater in the
distributed antenna network, in addition to facilitating
communications with mobile devices.
[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates a process in connection with the
aforementioned systems. The process in FIG. 8 can be implemented
for example by systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700
illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 respectively. While for purposes of
simplicity of explanation, the methods are shown and described as a
series of blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described hereinafter.
[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method for providing a distributed
antenna system as described herein. Methodology 800 can include
step 802, where a defined high frequency transmission is received
from a remote antenna. The first defined frequency transmission can
be at or greater than 60 GHz. The transmission can be received by
an outdoor microwave transceiver (e.g., ODU 602 or radio repeater
704). At step 804, a signal, from a plurality of signals in the
transmission, is identified and determined to be associated with
the remote antenna (e.g., based on the control channel), and
wherein the plurality of signals are carried in a plurality of
channels with the defined high frequency transmission. The
plurality of channels can be frequency division multiplexed
together in some embodiments. The channel that the signals are
occupying can determine which remote antenna the signals are
directed towards, and at step 806, a frequency mixer (e.g., 628)
and multiplexer/demultiplexer (e.g., 632) can extract the signal
from the plurality of signals and shift the signal back to the
native frequency of around 1.9 GHz. At step 808, the signal can be
transmitted (e.g., by antenna 622) to a mobile device that the
signal is directed towards. At 810, the defined frequency
transmission can be retransmitted on towards another remote antenna
and/or repeater in the chain.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a block
diagram of a computing environment in accordance with various
aspects described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the
computer can be or be included within the distributed antenna
system disclosed in any of the previous systems 100, 200, 300, 400,
500, 600 and/or 700.
[0072] In order to provide additional context for various
embodiments described herein, FIG. 9 and the following discussion
are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable
computing environment 900 in which the various embodiments of the
embodiment described herein can be implemented. While the
embodiments have been described above in the general context of
computer-executable instructions that can run on one or more
computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
embodiments can be also implemented in combination with other
program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and
software.
[0073] Generally, program modules include routines, programs,
components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the inventive methods can be
practiced with other computer system configurations, including
single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held
computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer
electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled
to one or more associated devices.
[0074] The terms "first," "second," "third," and so forth, as used
in the claims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity
only and doesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For
instance, "a first determination," "a second determination," and "a
third determination," does not indicate or imply that the first
determination is to be made before the second determination, or
vice versa, etc.
[0075] The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be
also practiced in distributed computing environments where certain
tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked
through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules can be located in both local and
remote memory storage devices.
[0076] Computing devices typically include a variety of media,
which can include computer-readable storage media and/or
communications media, which two terms are used herein differently
from one another as follows. Computer-readable storage media can be
any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer
and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and
non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation,
computer-readable storage media can be implemented in connection
with any method or technology for storage of information such as
computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured data or
unstructured data.
[0077] Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not
limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),
electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash
memory or other memory technology, compact disk read only memory
(CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk
storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage
or other magnetic storage devices or other tangible and/or
non-transitory media which can be used to store desired
information. In this regard, the terms "tangible" or
"non-transitory" herein as applied to storage, memory or
computer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude only
propagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not
relinquish rights to all standard storage, memory or
computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory
signals per se.
[0078] Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or
more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access requests,
queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety of
operations with respect to the information stored by the
medium.
[0079] Communications media typically embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured
or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data
signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and
includes any information delivery or transport media. The term
"modulated data signal" or signals refers to a signal that has one
or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as
to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example,
and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such
as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media
such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.
[0080] With reference again to FIG. 9, the example environment 900
for implementing various embodiments of the aspects described
herein includes a computer 902, the computer 902 including a
processing unit 904, a system memory 906 and a system bus 908. The
system bus 908 couples system components including, but not limited
to, the system memory 906 to the processing unit 904. The
processing unit 904 can be any of various commercially available
processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor
architectures can also be employed as the processing unit 904.
[0081] The system bus 908 can be any of several types of bus
structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or
without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus
using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The system memory 906 includes ROM 910 and RAM 912. A basic
input/output system (BIOS) can be stored in a non-volatile memory
such as ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM),
EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to
transfer information between elements within the computer 902, such
as during startup. The RAM 912 can also include a high-speed RAM
such as static RAM for caching data.
[0082] The computer 902 further includes an internal hard disk
drive (HDD) 914 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive
914 can also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis
(not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 916, (e.g., to read
from or write to a removable diskette 918) and an optical disk
drive 920, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 922 or, to read from or
write to other high capacity optical media such as the DVD). The
hard disk drive 914, magnetic disk drive 916 and optical disk drive
920 can be connected to the system bus 908 by a hard disk drive
interface 924, a magnetic disk drive interface 926 and an optical
drive interface 928, respectively. The interface 924 for external
drive implementations includes at least one or both of Universal
Serial Bus (USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE) 994 interface technologies. Other external drive
connection technologies are within contemplation of the embodiments
described herein.
[0083] The drives and their associated computer-readable storage
media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,
computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer
902, the drives and storage media accommodate the storage of any
data in a suitable digital format. Although the description of
computer-readable storage media above refers to a hard disk drive
(HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media
such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that other types of storage media which are readable by a
computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory
cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the example
operating environment, and further, that any such storage media can
contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods
described herein.
[0084] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and
RAM 912, including an operating system 930, one or more application
programs 932, other program modules 934 and program data 936. All
or portions of the operating system, applications, modules, and/or
data can also be cached in the RAM 912. The systems and methods
described herein can be implemented utilizing various commercially
available operating systems or combinations of operating
systems.
[0085] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
902 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a
keyboard 938 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 940. Other
input devices (not shown) can include a microphone, an infrared
(IR) remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch
screen or the like. These and other input devices are often
connected to the processing unit 904 through an input device
interface 942 that can be coupled to the system bus 908, but can be
connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE
1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,
an IR interface, etc.
[0086] A monitor 944 or other type of display device can be also
connected to the system bus 908 via an interface, such as a video
adapter 946. In addition to the monitor 944, a computer typically
includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as
speakers, printers, etc.
[0087] The computer 902 can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications
to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 948.
The remote computer(s) 948 can be a workstation, a server computer,
a router, a personal computer, portable computer,
microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or
other common network node, and typically includes many or all of
the elements described relative to the computer 902, although, for
purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 950 is
illustrated. The logical connections depicted include
wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 952
and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 954. Such
LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and
companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such
as intranets, all of which can connect to a global communications
network, e.g., the Internet.
[0088] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 902
can be connected to the local network 952 through a wired and/or
wireless communication network interface or adapter 956. The
adapter 956 can facilitate wired or wireless communication to the
LAN 952, which can also include a wireless AP disposed thereon for
communicating with the wireless adapter 956.
[0089] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 902
can include a modem 958 or can be connected to a communications
server on the WAN 954 or has other means for establishing
communications over the WAN 954, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 958, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless device, can be connected to the system bus 908 via the
input device interface 942. In a networked environment, program
modules depicted relative to the computer 902 or portions thereof,
can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 950. It will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are example and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers can be used.
[0090] The computer 902 can be operable to communicate with any
wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless
communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable
computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any
piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly
detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and
telephone. This can include Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and
BLUETOOTH.RTM. wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can
be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply
an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.
[0091] Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at
home, a bed in a hotel room or a conference room at work, without
wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in a
cell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send and
receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base
station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11
(a, b, g, n, ac, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless
connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to
each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks (which can use
IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed
2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps
(802.11b) data rate, for example or with products that contain both
bands (dual band), so the networks can provide real-world
performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet networks
used in many offices.
[0092] FIG. 10 presents an example embodiment 1000 of a mobile
network platform 1010 that can implement and exploit one or more
aspects of the disclosed subject matter described herein.
Generally, wireless network platform 1010 can include components,
e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms,
that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol
(IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and
circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well as
control generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As a
non-limiting example, wireless network platform 1010 can be
included in telecommunications carrier networks, and can be
considered carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein.
Mobile network platform 1010 includes CS gateway node(s) 1012 which
can interface CS traffic received from legacy networks like
telephony network(s) 1040 (e.g., public switched telephone network
(PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system
#7 (SS7) network 1070. Circuit switched gateway node(s) 1012 can
authorize and authenticate traffic (e.g., voice) arising from such
networks. Additionally, CS gateway node(s) 1012 can access
mobility, or roaming, data generated through SS7 network 1070; for
instance, mobility data stored in a visited location register
(VLR), which can reside in memory 1030. Moreover, CS gateway
node(s) 1012 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PS
gateway node(s) 1018. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS
gateway node(s) 1012 can be realized at least in part in gateway
GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that
functionality and specific operation of CS gateway node(s) 1012, PS
gateway node(s) 1018, and serving node(s) 1016, is provided and
dictated by radio technology(ies) utilized by mobile network
platform 1010 for telecommunication.
[0093] In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic
and signaling, PS gateway node(s) 1018 can authorize and
authenticate PS-based data sessions with served mobile devices.
Data sessions can include traffic, or content(s), exchanged with
networks external to the wireless network platform 1010, like wide
area network(s) (WANs) 1050, enterprise network(s) 1070, and
service network(s) 1080, which can be embodied in local area
network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced with mobile network
platform 1010 through PS gateway node(s) 1018. It is to be noted
that WANs 1050 and enterprise network(s) 1060 can embody, at least
in part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS).
Based on radio technology layer(s) available in technology
resource(s) 1017, packet-switched gateway node(s) 1018 can generate
packet data protocol contexts when a data session is established;
other data structures that facilitate routing of packetized data
also can be generated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway
node(s) 1018 can include a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel
termination gateway (TTG) in 3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown))
which can facilitate packetized communication with disparate
wireless network(s), such as Wi-Fi networks.
[0094] In embodiment 1000, wireless network platform 1010 also
includes serving node(s) 1016 that, based upon available radio
technology layer(s) within technology resource(s) 1017, convey the
various packetized flows of data streams received through PS
gateway node(s) 1018. It is to be noted that for technology
resource(s) 1017 that rely primarily on CS communication, server
node(s) can deliver traffic without reliance on PS gateway node(s)
1018; for example, server node(s) can embody at least in part a
mobile switching center. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network,
serving node(s) 1016 can be embodied in serving GPRS support
node(s) (SGSN).
[0095] For radio technologies that exploit packetized
communication, server(s) 1014 in wireless network platform 1010 can
execute numerous applications that can generate multiple disparate
packetized data streams or flows, and manage (e.g., schedule,
queue, format . . . ) such flows. Such application(s) can include
add-on features to standard services (for example, provisioning,
billing, customer support . . . ) provided by wireless network
platform 1010. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that are part of a
voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gateway node(s)
1018 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a data
session, and to serving node(s) 1016 for communication thereafter.
In addition to application server, server(s) 1014 can include
utility server(s), a utility server can include a provisioning
server, an operations and maintenance server, a security server
that can implement at least in part a certificate authority and
firewalls as well as other security mechanisms, and the like. In an
aspect, security server(s) secure communication served through
wireless network platform 1010 to ensure network's operation and
data integrity in addition to authorization and authentication
procedures that CS gateway node(s) 1012 and PS gateway node(s) 1018
can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s) can provision services
from external network(s) like networks operated by a disparate
service provider; for instance, WAN 1050 or Global Positioning
System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s) can
also provision coverage through networks associated to wireless
network platform 1010 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same
service provider), such as femto-cell network(s) (not shown) that
enhance wireless service coverage within indoor confined spaces and
offload RAN resources in order to enhance subscriber service
experience within a home or business environment by way of UE
1075.
[0096] It is to be noted that server(s) 1014 can include one or
more processors configured to confer at least in part the
functionality of macro network platform 1010. To that end, the one
or more processor can execute code instructions stored in memory
1030, for example. It is should be appreciated that server(s) 1014
can include a content manager 1015, which operates in substantially
the same manner as described hereinbefore.
[0097] In example embodiment 1000, memory 1030 can store
information related to operation of wireless network platform 1010.
Other operational information can include provisioning information
of mobile devices served through wireless platform network 1010,
subscriber databases; application intelligence, pricing schemes,
e.g., promotional rates, flat-rate programs, couponing campaigns;
technical specification(s) consistent with telecommunication
protocols for operation of disparate radio, or wireless, technology
layers; and so forth. Memory 1030 can also store information from
at least one of telephony network(s) 1040, WAN 1050, enterprise
network(s) 1060, or SS7 network 1070. In an aspect, memory 1030 can
be, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as a
remotely connected memory store.
[0098] In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the
disclosed subject matter, FIG. 10, and the following discussion,
are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable
environment in which the various aspects of the disclosed subject
matter can be implemented. While the subject matter has been
described above in the general context of computer-executable
instructions of a computer program that runs on a computer and/or
computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination
with other program modules. Generally, program modules include
routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform
particular tasks and/or implement particular abstract data
types.
[0099] Turning now to FIG. 11A, a block diagram illustrating an
example, non-limiting embodiment of a communication system 1100 in
accordance with various aspects of the subject disclosure is shown.
The communication system 1100 can include a macro base station 1102
such as a base station or access point having antennas that covers
one or more sectors (e.g., 6 or more sectors). The macro base
station 1102 can be communicatively coupled to a communication node
1104A that serves as a master or distribution node for other
communication nodes 1104B-E distributed at differing geographic
locations inside or beyond a coverage area of the macro base
station 1102. The communication nodes 1104 operate as a distributed
antenna system configured to handle communications traffic
associated with client devices such as mobile devices (e.g., cell
phones) and/or fixed/stationary devices (e.g., a communication
device in a residence, or commercial establishment) that are
wirelessly coupled to any of the communication nodes 1104. In
particular, the wireless resources of the macro base station 1102
can be made available to mobile devices by allowing and/or
redirecting certain mobile and/or stationary devices to utilize the
wireless resources of a communication node 1104 in a communication
range of the mobile or stationary devices.
[0100] The communication nodes 1104A-E can be communicatively
coupled to each other over an interface 1110. In one embodiment,
the interface 1110 can comprise a wired or tethered interface
(e.g., fiber optic cable). In other embodiments, the interface 1110
can comprise a wireless RF interface forming a radio distributed
antenna system. In various embodiments, the communication nodes
1804A-E can be configured to provide communication services to
mobile and stationary devices according to instructions provided by
the macro base station 1102. In other examples of operation
however, the communication nodes 1104A-E operate merely as analog
repeaters to spread the coverage of the macro base station 1102
throughout the entire range of the individual communication nodes
1104A-E.
[0101] The micro base stations (depicted as communication nodes
1104) can differ from the macro base station in several ways. For
example, the communication range of the micro base stations can be
smaller than the communication range of the macro base station.
Consequently, the power consumed by the micro base stations can be
less than the power consumed by the macro base station. The macro
base station optionally directs the micro base stations as to which
mobile and/or stationary devices they are to communicate with, and
which carrier frequency, spectral segment(s) and/or timeslot
schedule of such spectral segment(s) are to be used by the micro
base stations when communicating with certain mobile or stationary
devices. In these cases, control of the micro base stations by the
macro base station can be performed in a master-slave configuration
or other suitable control configurations. Whether operating
independently or under the control of the macro base station 1102,
the resources of the micro base stations can be simpler and less
costly than the resources utilized by the macro base station
1102.
[0102] Turning now to FIG. 11B, a block diagram illustrating an
example, non-limiting embodiment of the communication nodes 1104B-E
of the communication system 1100 of FIG. 11A is shown. In this
illustration, the communication nodes 1104B-E are placed on a
utility fixture such as a light post. In other embodiments, some of
the communication nodes 1104B-E can be placed on a building or a
utility post or pole that is used for distributing power and/or
communication lines. The communication nodes 1104B-E in these
illustrations can be configured to communicate with each other over
the interface 1110, which in this illustration is shown as a
wireless interface. The communication nodes 1104B-E can also be
configured to communicate with mobile or stationary devices 1106A-C
over a wireless interface 1111 that conforms to one or more
communication protocols (e.g., fourth generation (4G) wireless
signals such as LTE signals or other 4G signals, fifth generation
(5G) wireless signals, WiMAX, 802.11 signals, ultra-wideband
signals, etc.). The communication nodes 1104 can be configured to
exchange signals over the interface 1110 at an operating frequency
that may be higher (e.g., 28 GHz, 38 GHz, 60 GHz, 80 GHz or higher)
than the operating frequency used for communicating with the mobile
or stationary devices (e.g., 1.9 GHz) over interface 1111. The high
carrier frequency and a wider bandwidth can be used for
communicating between the communication nodes 1104 enabling the
communication nodes 1104 to provide communication services to
multiple mobile or stationary devices via one or more differing
frequency bands, (e.g. a 900 MHz band, 1.9 GHz band, a 2.4 GHz
band, and/or a 5.8 GHz band, etc.) and/or one or more differing
protocols, as will be illustrated by spectral downlink and uplink
diagrams of FIG. 12A described below. In other embodiments,
particularly where the interface 1110 is implemented via a guided
wave communications system on a wire, a wideband spectrum in a
lower frequency range (e.g. in the range of 2-6 GHz, 4-10 GHz,
etc.) can be employed.
[0103] Turning now to FIGS. 11C-11D, block diagrams illustrating
example, non-limiting embodiments of a communication node 1104 of
the communication system 1100 of FIG. 11A is shown. The
communication node 1104 can be attached to a support structure 1118
of a utility fixture such as a utility post or pole as shown in
FIG. 11C. The communication node 1104 can be affixed to the support
structure 1118 with an arm 1120 constructed of plastic or other
suitable material that attaches to an end of the communication node
1104. The communication node 1104 can further include a plastic
housing assembly 1116 that covers components of the communication
node 1104. The communication node 1104 can be powered by a power
line 1121 (e.g., 110/220 VAC). The power line 1121 can originate
from a light pole or can be coupled to a power line of a utility
pole.
[0104] In an embodiment where the communication nodes 1104
communicate wirelessly with other communication nodes 1104 as shown
in FIG. 11B, a top side 1112 of the communication node 1104
(illustrated also in FIG. 11D) can comprise a plurality of antennas
1122 (e.g., 16 dielectric antennas devoid of metal surfaces)
coupled to one or more transceivers such as, for example, in whole
or in part, the transceiver 1100 illustrated in FIG. 11. Each of
the plurality of antennas 1122 of the top side 1112 can operate as
a sector of the communication node 1104, each sector configured for
communicating with at least one communication node 1104 in a
communication range of the sector. Alternatively, or in
combination, the interface 1110 between communication nodes 1104
can be a tethered interface (e.g., a fiber optic cable, or a power
line used for transport of guided electromagnetic waves as
previously described). In other embodiments, the interface 1110 can
differ between communication nodes 1104. That is, some
communications nodes 1104 may communicate over a wireless
interface, while others communicate over a tethered interface. In
yet other embodiments, some communications nodes 1104 may utilize a
combined wireless and tethered interface.
[0105] A bottom side 1114 of the communication node 1104 can also
comprise a plurality of antennas 1124 for wirelessly communicating
with one or more mobile or stationary devices 1106 at a carrier
frequency that is suitable for the mobile or stationary devices
1106. As noted earlier, the carrier frequency used by the
communication node 1104 for communicating with the mobile or
station devices over the wireless interface 1111 shown in FIG. 11B
can be different from the carrier frequency used for communicating
between the communication nodes 1104 over interface 1110. The
plurality of antennas 1124 of the bottom portion 1114 of the
communication node 1104 can also utilize a transceiver such as, for
example, in whole or in part, the transceiver 1100 illustrated in
FIG. 11.
[0106] Turning now to FIG. 12A, a block diagram illustrating an
example, non-limiting embodiment of downlink and uplink
communication techniques for enabling a base station to communicate
with the communication nodes 1104 of FIG. 11A is shown. In the
illustrations of FIG. 12A, downlink signals (i.e., signals directed
from the macro base station 1102 to the communication nodes 1104)
can be spectrally divided into control channels 1202, downlink
spectral segments 1206 each including modulated signals which can
be frequency converted to their original/native frequency band for
enabling the communication nodes 1104 to communicate with one or
more mobile or stationary devices 1206, and pilot signals 1204
which can be supplied with some or all of the spectral segments
1206 for mitigating distortion created between the communication
nodes 1204. The pilot signals 1204 can be processed by the top side
1116 (tethered or wireless) transceivers of downstream
communication nodes 1104 to remove distortion from a receive signal
(e.g., phase distortion). Each downlink spectral segment 1206 can
be allotted a bandwidth 1205 sufficiently wide (e.g., 50 MHz) to
include a corresponding pilot signal 1204 and one or more downlink
modulated signals located in frequency channels (or frequency
slots) in the spectral segment 1206. The modulated signals can
represent cellular channels, WLAN channels or other modulated
communication signals (e.g., 10-20 MHz), which can be used by the
communication nodes 1104 for communicating with one or more mobile
or stationary devices 1106.
[0107] Uplink modulated signals generated by mobile or stationary
communication device in their native/original frequency bands can
be frequency converted and thereby located in frequency channels
(or frequency slots) in the uplink spectral segment 1210. The
uplink modulated signals can represent cellular channels, WLAN
channels or other modulated communication signals. Each uplink
spectral segment 1210 can be allotted a similar or same bandwidth
1205 to include a pilot signal 1208 which can be provided with some
or each spectral segment 1210 to enable upstream communication
nodes 1104 and/or the macro base station 1102 to remove distortion
(e.g., phase error).
[0108] In the embodiment shown, the downlink and uplink spectral
segments 1206 and 1210 each comprise a plurality of frequency
channels (or frequency slots), which can be occupied with modulated
signals that have been frequency converted from any number of
native/original frequency bands (e.g. a 900 MHz band, 1.9 GHz band,
a 2.4 GHz band, and/or a 5.8 GHz band, etc.). The modulated signals
can be up-converted to adjacent frequency channels in downlink and
uplink spectral segments 1206 and 1210. In this fashion, while some
adjacent frequency channels in a downlink spectral segment 1206 can
include modulated signals originally in a same native/original
frequency band, other adjacent frequency channels in the downlink
spectral segment 1206 can also include modulated signals originally
in different native/original frequency bands, but frequency
converted to be located in adjacent frequency channels of the
downlink spectral segment 1206. For example, a first modulated
signal in a 1.9 GHz band and a second modulated signal in the same
frequency band (i.e., 1.9 GHz) can be frequency converted and
thereby positioned in adjacent frequency channels of a downlink
spectral segment 1206. In another illustration, a first modulated
signal in a 1.9 GHz band and a second communication signal in a
different frequency band (i.e., 2.4 GHz) can be frequency converted
and thereby positioned in adjacent frequency channels of a downlink
spectral segment 1206. Accordingly, frequency channels of a
downlink spectral segment 1206 can be occupied with any combination
of modulated signals of the same or differing signaling protocols
and of a same or differing native/original frequency bands.
[0109] Similarly, while some adjacent frequency channels in an
uplink spectral segment 1210 can include modulated signals
originally in a same frequency band, adjacent frequency channels in
the uplink spectral segment 1210 can also include modulated signals
originally in different native/original frequency bands, but
frequency converted to be located in adjacent frequency channels of
an uplink segment 1210. For example, a first communication signal
in a 2.4 GHz band and a second communication signal in the same
frequency band (i.e., 2.4 GHz) can be frequency converted and
thereby positioned in adjacent frequency channels of an uplink
spectral segment 1210. In another illustration, a first
communication signal in a 1.9 GHz band and a second communication
signal in a different frequency band (i.e., 2.4 GHz) can be
frequency converted and thereby positioned in adjacent frequency
channels of the uplink spectral segment 1206. Accordingly,
frequency channels of an uplink spectral segment 1210 can be
occupied with any combination of modulated signals of a same or
differing signaling protocols and of a same or differing
native/original frequency bands. It should be noted that a downlink
spectral segment 1206 and an uplink spectral segment 1210 can
themselves be adjacent to one another and separated by only a guard
band or otherwise separated by a larger frequency spacing,
depending on the spectral allocation in place.
[0110] Turning now to FIG. 12B, a block diagram 1220 illustrating
an example, non-limiting embodiment of a communication node is
shown. In particular, the communication node device such as
communication node 1104A of a radio distributed antenna system
includes a base station interface 1222, duplexer/diplexer assembly
1224, and two transceivers 1230 and 1232. It should be noted
however, that when the communication node 1104A is collocated with
a base station, such as a macro base station 1102, the
duplexer/diplexer assembly 1224 and the transceiver 1230 can be
omitted and the transceiver 1232 can be directly coupled to the
base station interface 1222.
[0111] In various embodiments, the base station interface 1222
receives a first modulated signal having one or more down link
channels in a first spectral segment for transmission to a client
device such as one or more mobile communication devices. The first
spectral segment represents an original/native frequency band of
the first modulated signal. The first modulated signal can include
one or more downlink communication channels conforming to a
signaling protocol such as a LTE or other 4G wireless protocol, a
5G wireless communication protocol, an ultra-wideband protocol, a
WiMAX protocol, a 802.11 or other wireless local area network
protocol and/or other communication protocol. The duplexer/diplexer
assembly 1224 transfers the first modulated signal in the first
spectral segment to the transceiver 1230 for direct communication
with one or more mobile communication devices in range of the
communication node 1104A as a free space wireless signal. In
various embodiments, the transceiver 1230 is implemented via analog
circuitry that merely provides: filtration to pass the spectrum of
the downlink channels and the uplink channels of modulated signals
in their original/native frequency bands while attenuating
out-of-band signals, power amplification, transmit/receive
switching, duplexing, diplexing, and impedance matching to drive
one or more antennas that sends and receives the wireless signals
of interface 1110.
[0112] In other embodiments, the transceiver 1232 is configured to
perform frequency conversion of the first modulated signal in the
first spectral segment to the first modulated signal at a first
carrier frequency based on, in various embodiments, an analog
signal processing of the first modulated signal without modifying
the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal. The first
modulated signal at the first carrier frequency can occupy one or
more frequency channels of a downlink spectral segment 1206. The
first carrier frequency can be in a millimeter-wave or microwave
frequency band. As used herein analog signal processing includes
filtering, switching, duplexing, diplexing, amplification,
frequency up and down conversion, and other analog processing that
does not require digital signal processing, such as including
without limitation either analog to digital conversion, digital to
analog conversion, or digital frequency conversion. In other
embodiments, the transceiver 1232 can be configured to perform
frequency conversion of the first modulated signal in the first
spectral segment to the first carrier frequency by applying digital
signal processing to the first modulated signal without utilizing
any form of analog signal processing and without modifying the
signaling protocol of the first modulated signal. In yet other
embodiments, the transceiver 1232 can be configured to perform
frequency conversion of the first modulated signal in the first
spectral segment to the first carrier frequency by applying a
combination of digital signal processing and analog processing to
the first modulated signal and without modifying the signaling
protocol of the first modulated signal.
[0113] The transceiver 1232 can be further configured to transmit
one or more control channels, one or more corresponding reference
signals, such as pilot signals or other reference signals, and/or
one or more clock signals together with the first modulated signal
at the first carrier frequency to a network element of the
distributed antenna system, such as one or more downstream
communication nodes 1104B-E, for wireless distribution of the first
modulated signal to one or more other mobile communication devices
once frequency converted by the network element to the first
spectral segment. In particular, the reference signal enables the
network element to reduce a phase error (and/or other forms of
signal distortion) during processing of the first modulated signal
from the first carrier frequency to the first spectral segment. The
control channel can include instructions to direct the
communication node of the distributed antenna system to convert the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment, to control
frequency selections and reuse patterns, handoff and/or other
control signaling. In embodiments where the instructions
transmitted and received via the control channel are digital
signals, the transceiver can 1232 can include a digital signal
processing component that provides analog to digital conversion,
digital to analog conversion and that processes the digital data
sent and/or received via the control channel. The clock signals
supplied with the downlink spectral segment 1206 can be utilized to
synchronize timing of digital control channel processing by the
downstream communication nodes 1104B-E to recover the instructions
from the control channel and/or to provide other timing
signals.
[0114] In various embodiments, the transceiver 1232 can receive a
second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency from a
network element such as a communication node 1104B-E. The second
modulated signal can include one or more uplink frequency channels
occupied by one or more modulated signals conforming to a signaling
protocol such as a LTE or other 4G wireless protocol, a 5G wireless
communication protocol, an ultra-wideband protocol, a 802.11 or
other wireless local area network protocol and/or other
communication protocol. In particular, the mobile or stationary
communication device generates the second modulated signal in a
second spectral segment such as an original/native frequency band
and the network element frequency converts the second modulated
signal in the second spectral segment to the second modulated
signal at the second carrier frequency and transmits the second
modulated signal at the second carrier frequency as received by the
communication node 1104A. The transceiver 1232 operates to convert
the second modulated signal at the second carrier frequency to the
second modulated signal in the second spectral segment and sends
the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment, via the
duplexer/diplexer assembly 1224 and base station interface 1222, to
a base station, such as macro base station 1102, for
processing.
[0115] Consider the following examples where the communication node
1104A is implemented in a distributed antenna system. The uplink
frequency channels in an uplink spectral segment 1210 and downlink
frequency channels in a downlink spectral segment 1206 can be
occupied with signals modulated and otherwise formatted in
accordance with a DOCSIS 2.0 or higher standard protocol, a WiMAX
standard protocol, an ultra-wideband protocol, a 802.11 standard
protocol, a 4G or 5G voice and data protocol such as an LTE
protocol and/or other standard communication protocol. In addition
to protocols that conform with current standards, any of these
protocols can be modified to operate in conjunction with the system
of FIG. 11A. For example, a 802.11 protocol or other protocol can
be modified to include additional guidelines and/or a separate data
channel to provide collision detection/multiple access over a wider
area (e.g. allowing network elements or communication devices
communicatively coupled to the network elements that are
communicating via a particular frequency channel of a downlink
spectral segment 1206 or uplink spectral segment 1210 to hear one
another). In various embodiments all of the uplink frequency
channels of the uplink spectral segment 1210 and downlink frequency
channel of the downlink spectral segment 1206 can all be formatted
in accordance with the same communications protocol. In the
alternative however, two or more differing protocols can be
employed on both the uplink spectral segment 1210 and the downlink
spectral segment 1206 to, for example, be compatible with a wider
range of client devices and/or operate in different frequency
bands.
[0116] When two or more differing protocols are employed, a first
subset of the downlink frequency channels of the downlink spectral
segment 1206 can be modulated in accordance with a first standard
protocol and a second subset of the downlink frequency channels of
the downlink spectral segment 1206 can be modulated in accordance
with a second standard protocol that differs from the first
standard protocol. Likewise a first subset of the uplink frequency
channels of the uplink spectral segment 1210 can be received by the
system for demodulation in accordance with the first standard
protocol and a second subset of the uplink frequency channels of
the uplink spectral segment 1210 can be received in accordance with
a second standard protocol for demodulation in accordance with the
second standard protocol that differs from the first standard
protocol.
[0117] In accordance with these examples, the base station
interface 1222 can be configured to receive modulated signals such
as one or more downlink channels in their original/native frequency
bands from a base station such as macro base station 1102 or other
communications network element. Similarly, the base station
interface 1222 can be configured to supply to a base station
modulated signals received from another network element that is
frequency converted to modulated signals having one or more uplink
channels in their original/native frequency bands. The base station
interface 1222 can be implemented via a wired or wireless interface
that bidirectionally communicates communication signals such as
uplink and downlink channels in their original/native frequency
bands, communication control signals and other network signaling
with a macro base station or other network element. The
duplexer/diplexer assembly 1224 is configured to transfer the
downlink channels in their original/native frequency bands to the
transceiver 1232 which frequency converts the frequency of the
downlink channels from their original/native frequency bands into
the frequency spectrum of interface 1110--in this case a wireless
communication link used to transport the communication signals
downstream to one or more other communication nodes 1104B-E of the
distributed antenna system in range of the communication device
1104A.
[0118] In various embodiments, the transceiver 1232 includes an
analog radio that frequency converts the downlink channel signals
in their original/native frequency bands via mixing or other
heterodyne action to generate frequency converted downlink channels
signals that occupy downlink frequency channels of the downlink
spectral segment 1206. In this illustration, the downlink spectral
segment 1206 is within the downlink frequency band of the interface
1110. In an embodiment, the downlink channel signals are
up-converted from their original/native frequency bands to a 28
GHz, 38 GHz, 60 GHz, 70 GHz or 80 GHz band of the downlink spectral
segment 1206 for line-of-sight wireless communications to one or
more other communication nodes 1104B-E. It is noted, however, that
other frequency bands can likewise be employed for a downlink
spectral segment 1206 (e.g., 3 GHz to 5 GHz). For example, the
transceiver 1232 can be configured for down-conversion of one or
more downlink channel signals in their original/native spectral
bands in instances where the frequency band of the interface 1110
falls below the original/native spectral bands of the one or more
downlink channels signals.
[0119] The transceiver 1232 can be coupled to multiple individual
antennas, such as antennas 1122 presented in conjunction with FIG.
11D, for communicating with the communication nodes 1104B, a phased
antenna array or steerable beam or multi-beam antenna system for
communicating with multiple devices at different locations. The
duplexer/diplexer assembly 1224 can include a duplexer, triplexer,
splitter, switch, router and/or other assembly that operates as a
"channel duplexer" to provide bi-directional communications over
multiple communication paths via one or more original/native
spectral segments of the uplink and downlink channels.
[0120] In addition to forwarding frequency converted modulated
signals downstream to other communication nodes 1104B-E at a
carrier frequency that differs from their original/native spectral
bands, the communication node 1104A can also communicate all or a
selected portion of the modulated signals unmodified from their
original/native spectral bands to client devices in a wireless
communication range of the communication node 1104A via the
wireless interface 1111. The duplexer/diplexer assembly 1224
transfers the modulated signals in their original/native spectral
bands to the transceiver 1230. The transceiver 1230 can include a
channel selection filter for selecting one or more downlink
channels and a power amplifier coupled to one or more antennas,
such as antennas 1124 presented in conjunction with FIG. 11D, for
transmission of the downlink channels via wireless interface 1111
to mobile or fixed wireless devices.
[0121] In addition to downlink communications destined for client
devices, communication node 1104A can operate in a reciprocal
fashion to handle uplink communications originating from client
devices as well. In operation, the transceiver 1232 receives uplink
channels in the uplink spectral segment 1210 from communication
nodes 1104B-E via the uplink spectrum of interface 1110. The uplink
frequency channels in the uplink spectral segment 1210 include
modulated signals that were frequency converted by communication
nodes 1104B-E from their original/native spectral bands to the
uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectral segment 1210. In
situations where the interface 1110 operates in a higher frequency
band than the native/original spectral segments of the modulated
signals supplied by the client devices, the transceiver 1232
down-converts the up-converted modulated signals to their original
frequency bands. In situations, however, where the interface 1110
operates in a lower frequency band than the native/original
spectral segments of the modulated signals supplied by the client
devices, the transceiver 1232 up-converts the down-converted
modulated signals to their original frequency bands. Further, the
transceiver 1230 operates to receive all or selected ones of the
modulated signals in their original/native frequency bands from
client devices via the wireless interface 1111. The
duplexer/diplexer assembly 1224 transfers the modulated signals in
their original/native frequency bands received via the transceiver
1230 to the base station interface 1222 to be sent to the macro
base station 1102 or other network element of a communications
network. Similarly, modulated signals occupying uplink frequency
channels in an uplink spectral segment 1210 that are frequency
converted to their original/native frequency bands by the
transceiver 1232 are supplied to the duplexer/diplexer assembly
1224 for transfer to the base station interface 1222 to be sent to
the macro base station 1102 or other network element of a
communications network.
[0122] Turning now to FIG. 12C, a block diagram 1235 illustrating
an example, non-limiting embodiment of a communication node is
shown. In particular, the communication node device such as
communication node 1104B, 1104C, 1104D or 1104E of a radio
distributed antenna system includes transceiver 1233,
duplexer/diplexer assembly 1224, an amplifier 1238 and two
transceivers 1236A and 1236B.
[0123] In various embodiments, the transceiver 1236A receives, from
a communication node 1104A or an upstream communication node
1104B-E, a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency
corresponding to the placement of the channels of the first
modulated signal in the converted spectrum of the distributed
antenna system (e.g., frequency channels of one or more downlink
spectral segments 1206). The first modulated signal includes first
communications data provided by a base station and directed to a
mobile communication device. The transceiver 1236A is further
configured to receive, from a communication node 1104A one or more
control channels and one or more corresponding reference signals,
such as pilot signals or other reference signals, and/or one or
more clock signals associated with the first modulated signal at
the first carrier frequency. The first modulated signal can include
one or more downlink communication channels conforming to a
signaling protocol such as a LTE or other 4G wireless protocol, a
5G wireless communication protocol, an ultra-wideband protocol, a
WiMAX protocol, a 802.11 or other wireless local area network
protocol and/or other communication protocol.
[0124] As previously discussed, the reference signal enables the
network element to reduce a phase error (and/or other forms of
signal distortion) during processing of the first modulated signal
from the first carrier frequency to the first spectral segment
(i.e., original/native spectrum). The control channel includes
instructions to direct the communication node of the distributed
antenna system to convert the first modulated signal at the first
carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first
spectral segment, to control frequency selections and reuse
patterns, handoff and/or other control signaling. The clock signals
can synchronize timing of digital control channel processing by the
downstream communication nodes 1104B-E to recover the instructions
from the control channel and/or to provide other timing
signals.
[0125] The amplifier 1238 can be a bidirectional amplifier that
amplifies the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency
together with the reference signals, control channels and/or clock
signals for coupling via the duplexer/diplexer assembly 1224 to
transceiver 1236B, which in this illustration, serves as a repeater
for retransmission of the amplified the first modulated signal at
the first carrier frequency together with the reference signals,
control channels and/or clock signals to one or more others of the
communication nodes 1104B-E that are downstream from the
communication node 1104B-E that is shown and that operate in a
similar fashion.
[0126] The amplified first modulated signal at the first carrier
frequency together with the reference signals, control channels
and/or clock signals are also coupled via the duplexer/diplexer
assembly 1224 to the transceiver 1233. The transceiver 1233
performs digital signal processing on the control channel to
recover the instructions, such as in the form of digital data, from
the control channel. The clock signal is used to synchronize timing
of the digital control channel processing. The transceiver 1233
then performs frequency conversion of the first modulated signal at
the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the
first spectral segment in accordance with the instructions and
based on an analog (and/or digital) signal processing of the first
modulated signal and utilizing the reference signal to reduce
distortion during the converting process. The transceiver 1233
wirelessly transmits the first modulated signal in the first
spectral segment for direct communication with one or more mobile
communication devices in range of the communication node 1104B-E as
free space wireless signals.
[0127] In various embodiments, the transceiver 1236B receives a
second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency in an uplink
spectral segment 1210 from other network elements such as one or
more other communication nodes 1104B-E that are downstream from the
communication node 1104B-E that is shown. The second modulated
signal can include one or more uplink communication channels
conforming to a signaling protocol such as a LTE or other 4G
wireless protocol, a 5G wireless communication protocol, an
ultra-wideband protocol, a 802.11 or other wireless local area
network protocol and/or other communication protocol. In
particular, one or more mobile communication devices generate the
second modulated signal in a second spectral segment such as an
original/native frequency band and the downstream network element
performs frequency conversion on the second modulated signal in the
second spectral segment to the second modulated signal at the
second carrier frequency and transmits the second modulated signal
at the second carrier frequency in an uplink spectral segment 1210
as received by the communication node 1104B-E shown. The
transceiver 1236B operates to send the second modulated signal at
the second carrier frequency to amplifier 1238, via the
duplexer/diplexer assembly 1224, for amplification and
retransmission via the transceiver 1236A back to the communication
node 1104A or upstream communication nodes 1104B-E for further
retransmission back to a base station, such as macro base station
1102, for processing.
[0128] The transceiver 1233 may also receive a second modulated
signal in the second spectral segment from one or more mobile
communication devices in range of the communication node 1104B-E.
The transceiver 1233 operates to perform frequency conversion on
the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the
second modulated signal at the second carrier frequency, for
example, under control of the instructions received via the control
channel, inserts the reference signals, control channels and/or
clock signals for use by communication node 1104A in reconverting
the second modulated signal back to the original/native spectral
segments and sends the second modulated signal at the second
carrier frequency, via the duplexer/diplexer assembly 1224 and
amplifier 1238, to the transceiver 1236A for amplification and
retransmission back to the communication node 1104A or upstream
communication nodes 1104B-E for further retransmission back to a
base station, such as macro base station 1102, for processing.
[0129] Turning now to FIG. 12D, a graphical diagram 1240
illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a frequency
spectrum is shown. In particular, a spectrum 1242 is shown for a
distributed antenna system that conveys modulated signals that
occupy frequency channels of a downlink segment 1206 or uplink
spectral segment 1210 after they have been converted in frequency
(e.g. via up-conversion or down-conversion) from one or more
original/native spectral segments into the spectrum 1242.
[0130] In the example presented, the downstream (downlink) channel
band 1244 includes a plurality of downstream frequency channels
represented by separate downlink spectral segments 1206. Likewise
the upstream (uplink) channel band 1246 includes a plurality of
upstream frequency channels represented by separate uplink spectral
segments 1210. The spectral shapes of the separate spectral
segments are meant to be placeholders for the frequency allocation
of each modulated signal along with associated reference signals,
control channels and clock signals. The actual spectral response of
each frequency channel in a downlink spectral segment 1206 or
uplink spectral segment 1210 will vary based on the protocol and
modulation employed and further as a function of time.
[0131] The number of the uplink spectral segments 1210 can be less
than or greater than the number of the downlink spectral segments
1206 in accordance with an asymmetrical communication system. In
this case, the upstream channel band 1246 can be narrower or wider
than the downstream channel band 1244. In the alternative, the
number of the uplink spectral segments 1210 can be equal to the
number of the downlink spectral segments 1206 in the case where a
symmetrical communication system is implemented. In this case, the
width of the upstream channel band 1246 can be equal to the width
of the downstream channel band 1244 and bit stuffing or other data
filling techniques can be employed to compensate for variations in
upstream traffic. While the downstream channel band 1244 is shown
at a lower frequency than the upstream channel band 1246, in other
embodiments, the downstream channel band 1144 can be at a higher
frequency than the upstream channel band 1246. In addition, the
number of spectral segments and their respective frequency
positions in spectrum 1242 can change dynamically over time. For
example, a general control channel can be provided in the spectrum
1242 (not shown) which can indicate to communication nodes 1104 the
frequency position of each downlink spectral segment 1206 and each
uplink spectral segment 1210. Depending on traffic conditions, or
network requirements necessitating a reallocation of bandwidth, the
number of downlink spectral segments 1206 and uplink spectral
segments 1210 can be changed by way of the general control channel.
Additionally, the downlink spectral segments 1206 and uplink
spectral segments 1210 do not have to be grouped separately. For
instance, a general control channel can identify a downlink
spectral segment 1206 being followed by an uplink spectral segment
1210 in an alternating fashion, or in any other combination which
may or may not be symmetric. It is further noted that instead of
utilizing a general control channel, multiple control channels can
be used, each identifying the frequency position of one or more
spectral segments and the type of spectral segment (i.e., uplink or
downlink).
[0132] Further, while the downstream channel band 1244 and upstream
channel band 1246 are shown as occupying a single contiguous
frequency band, in other embodiments, two or more upstream and/or
two or more downstream channel bands can be employed, depending on
available spectrum and/or the communication standards employed.
Frequency channels of the uplink spectral segments 1210 and
downlink spectral segments 1206 can be occupied by frequency
converted signals modulated formatted in accordance with a DOCSIS
2.0 or higher standard protocol, a WiMAX standard protocol, an
ultra-wideband protocol, a 802.11 standard protocol, a 4G or 5G
voice and data protocol such as an LTE protocol and/or other
standard communication protocol. In addition to protocols that
conform with current standards, any of these protocols can be
modified to operate in conjunction with the system shown. For
example, a 802.11 protocol or other protocol can be modified to
include additional guidelines and/or a separate data channel to
provide collision detection/multiple access over a wider area (e.g.
allowing devices that are communicating via a particular frequency
channel to hear one another). In various embodiments all of the
uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectral segments 1210 and
downlink frequency channel of the downlink spectral segments 1206
are all formatted in accordance with the same communications
protocol. In the alternative however, two or more differing
protocols can be employed on both the uplink frequency channels of
one or more uplink spectral segments 1210 and downlink frequency
channels of one or more downlink spectral segments 1206 to, for
example, be compatible with a wider range of client devices and/or
operate in different frequency bands.
[0133] It should be noted that, the modulated signals can be
gathered from differing original/native spectral segments for
aggregation into the spectrum 1242. In this fashion, a first
portion of uplink frequency channels of an uplink spectral segment
1210 may be adjacent to a second portion of uplink frequency
channels of the uplink spectral segment 1210 that have been
frequency converted from one or more differing original/native
spectral segments. Similarly, a first portion of downlink frequency
channels of a downlink spectral segment 1206 may be adjacent to a
second portion of downlink frequency channels of the downlink
spectral segment 1206 that have been frequency converted from one
or more differing original/native spectral segments. For example,
one or more 2.4 GHz 802.11 channels that have been frequency
converted may be adjacent to one or more 5.8 GHz 802.11 channels
that have also been frequency converted to a spectrum 1242 that is
centered at 80 GHz. It should be noted that each spectral segment
can have an associated reference signal such as a pilot signal that
can be used in generating a local oscillator signal at a frequency
and phase that provides the frequency conversion of one or more
frequency channels of that spectral segment from its placement in
the spectrum 1242 back into it original/native spectral
segment.
[0134] Turning now to FIG. 12E, a graphical diagram 1250
illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a frequency
spectrum is shown. In particular a spectral segment selection is
presented as discussed in conjunction with signal processing
performed on the selected spectral segment by transceivers 1230 of
communication node 1140A or transceiver 1232 of communication node
1104B-E. As shown, a particular uplink frequency portion 1258
including one of the uplink spectral segments 1210 of uplink
frequency channel band 1246 and a particular downlink frequency
portion 1256 including one of the downlink spectral segments 1206
of downlink channel frequency band 1244 is selected to be passed by
channel selection filtration, with the remaining portions of uplink
frequency channel band 1246 and downlink channel frequency band
1244 being filtered out--i.e. attenuated so as to mitigate adverse
effects of the processing of the desired frequency channels that
are passed by the transceiver. It should be noted that while a
single particular uplink spectral segment 1210 and a particular
downlink spectral segment 1206 are shown as being selected, two or
more uplink and/or downlink spectral segments may be passed in
other embodiments.
[0135] While the transceivers 1230 and 1232 can operate based on
static channel filters with the uplink and downlink frequency
portions 1258 and 1256 being fixed, as previously discussed,
instructions sent to the transceivers 1230 and 1232 via the control
channel can be used to dynamically configure the transceivers 1230
and 1232 to a particular frequency selection. In this fashion,
upstream and downstream frequency channels of corresponding
spectral segments can be dynamically allocated to various
communication nodes by the macro base station 1102 or other network
element of a communication network to optimize performance by the
distributed antenna system.
[0136] Turning now to FIG. 12F, a graphical diagram 1260
illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a frequency
spectrum is shown. In particular, a spectrum 1262 is shown for a
distributed antenna system that conveys modulated signals occupying
frequency channels of uplink or downlink spectral segments after
they have been converted in frequency (e.g. via up-conversion or
down-conversion) from one or more original/native spectral segments
into the spectrum 1262.
[0137] As previously discussed two or more different communication
protocols can be employed to communicate upstream and downstream
data. When two or more differing protocols are employed, a first
subset of the downlink frequency channels of a downlink spectral
segment 1206 can be occupied by frequency converted modulated
signals in accordance with a first standard protocol and a second
subset of the downlink frequency channels of the same or a
different downlink spectral segment 1210 can be occupied by
frequency converted modulated signals in accordance with a second
standard protocol that differs from the first standard protocol.
Likewise a first subset of the uplink frequency channels of an
uplink spectral segment 1210 can be received by the system for
demodulation in accordance with the first standard protocol and a
second subset of the uplink frequency channels of the same or a
different uplink spectral segment 1210 can be received in
accordance with a second standard protocol for demodulation in
accordance with the second standard protocol that differs from the
first standard protocol.
[0138] In the example shown, the downstream channel band 1244
includes a first plurality of downstream spectral segments
represented by separate spectral shapes of a first type
representing the use of a first communication protocol. The
downstream channel band 1244' includes a second plurality of
downstream spectral segments represented by separate spectral
shapes of a second type representing the use of a second
communication protocol. Likewise the upstream channel band 1246
includes a first plurality of upstream spectral segments
represented by separate spectral shapes of the first type
representing the use of the first communication protocol. The
upstream channel band 1246' includes a second plurality of upstream
spectral segments represented by separate spectral shapes of the
second type representing the use of the second communication
protocol. These separate spectral shapes are meant to be
placeholders for the frequency allocation of each individual
spectral segment along with associated reference signals, control
channels and/or clock signals. While the individual channel
bandwidth is shown as being roughly the same for channels of the
first and second type, it should be noted that upstream and
downstream channel bands 1244, 1244', 1246 and 1246' may be of
differing bandwidths. Additionally, the spectral segments in these
channel bands of the first and second type may be of differing
bandwidths, depending on available spectrum and/or the
communication standards employed.
[0139] Turning now to FIG. 12G, a graphical diagram 1270
illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a frequency
spectrum is shown. In particular a portion of the spectrum 1242 or
1262 of FIGS. 12D-12F is shown for a distributed antenna system
that conveys modulated signals in the form of channel signals that
have been converted in frequency (e.g. via up-conversion or
down-conversion) from one or more original/native spectral
segments.
[0140] The portion 1272 includes a portion of a downlink or uplink
spectral segment 1206 and 1210 that is represented by a spectral
shape and that represents a portion of the bandwidth set aside for
a control channel, reference signal, and/or clock signal. The
spectral shape 1274, for example, represents a control channel that
is separate from reference signal 1279 and a clock signal 1278. It
should be noted that the clock signal 1278 is shown with a spectral
shape representing a sinusoidal signal that may require
conditioning into the form of a more traditional clock signal. In
other embodiments however, a traditional clock signal could be sent
as a modulated carrier wave such by modulating the reference signal
1279 via amplitude modulation or other modulation technique that
preserves the phase of the carrier for use as a phase reference. In
other embodiments, the clock signal could be transmitted by
modulating another carrier wave or as another signal. Further, it
is noted that both the clock signal 1278 and the reference signal
1279 are shown as being outside the frequency band of the control
channel 1274.
[0141] In another example, the portion 1275 includes a portion of a
downlink or uplink spectral segment 1206 and 1210 that is
represented by a portion of a spectral shape that represents a
portion of the bandwidth set aside for a control channel, reference
signal, and/or clock signal. The spectral shape 1276 represents a
control channel having instructions that include digital data that
modulates the reference signal, via amplitude modulation, amplitude
shift keying or other modulation technique that preserves the phase
of the carrier for use as a phase reference. The clock signal 1278
is shown as being outside the frequency band of the spectral shape
1276. The reference signal, being modulated by the control channel
instructions, is in effect a subcarrier of the control channel and
is in-band to the control channel. Again, the clock signal 1278 is
shown with a spectral shape representing a sinusoidal signal, in
other embodiments however, a traditional clock signal could be sent
as a modulated carrier wave or other signal. In this case, the
instructions of the control channel can be used to modulate the
clock signal 1278 instead of the reference signal.
[0142] Consider the following example, where the control channel
1276 is carried via modulation of a reference signal in the form of
a continuous wave (CW) from which the phase distortion in the
receiver is corrected during frequency conversion of the downlink
or uplink spectral segment back to its original/native spectral
segment. The control channel 1276 can be modulated with a robust
modulation such as pulse amplitude modulation, binary phase shift
keying, amplitude shift keying or other modulation scheme to carry
instructions between network elements of the distributed antenna
system such as network operations, administration and management
traffic and other control data. In various embodiments, the control
data can include: [0143] Status information that indicates online
status, offline status, and network performance parameters of each
network element. [0144] Network device information such as module
names and addresses, hardware and software versions, device
capabilities, etc. [0145] Spectral information such as frequency
conversion factors, channel spacing, guard bands, uplink/downlink
allocations, uplink and downlink channel selections, etc. [0146]
Environmental measurements such as weather conditions, image data,
power outage information, line of sight blockages, etc.
[0147] In a further example, the control channel data can be sent
via ultra-wideband (UWB) signaling. The control channel data can be
transmitted by generating radio energy at specific time intervals
and occupying a larger bandwidth, via pulse-position or time
modulation, by encoding the polarity or amplitude of the UWB pulses
and/or by using orthogonal pulses. In particular, UWB pulses can be
sent sporadically at relatively low pulse rates to support time or
position modulation, but can also be sent at rates up to the
inverse of the UWB pulse bandwidth. In this fashion, the control
channel can be spread over an UWB spectrum with relatively low
power, and without interfering with CW transmissions of the
reference signal and/or clock signal that may occupy in-band
portions of the UWB spectrum of the control channel.
[0148] Turning now to FIG. 12H, a block diagram 1280 illustrating
an example, non-limiting embodiment of a transmitter is shown. In
particular, a transmitter 1282 is shown for use with, for example,
a receiver 1281 and a digital control channel processor 1295 in a
transceiver, such as transceiver 1233 presented in conjunction with
FIG. 12C. As shown, the transmitter 1282 includes an analog
front-end 1286, clock signal generator 1289, a local oscillator
1292, a mixer 1296, and a transmitter front end 1284.
[0149] The amplified first modulated signal at the first carrier
frequency together with the reference signals, control channels
and/or clock signals are coupled from the amplifier 1238 to the
analog front-end 1286. The analog front end 1286 includes one or
more filters or other frequency selection to separate the control
channel signal 1287, a clock reference signal 1278, a pilot signal
1291 and one or more selected channels signals 1294.
[0150] The digital control channel processor 1295 performs digital
signal processing on the control channel to recover the
instructions, such as via demodulation of digital control channel
data, from the control channel signal 1287. The clock signal
generator 1289 generates the clock signal 1290, from the clock
reference signal 1278, to synchronize timing of the digital control
channel processing by the digital control channel processor 1295.
In embodiments where the clock reference signal 1278 is a sinusoid,
the clock signal generator 1289 can provide amplification and
limiting to create a traditional clock signal or other timing
signal from the sinusoid. In embodiments where the clock reference
signal 1278 is a modulated carrier signal, such as a modulation of
the reference or pilot signal or other carrier wave, the clock
signal generator 1289 can provide demodulation to create a
traditional clock signal or other timing signal.
[0151] In various embodiments, the control channel signal 1287 can
be either a digitally modulated signal in a range of frequencies
separate from the pilot signal 1291 and the clock reference 1288 or
as modulation of the pilot signal 1291. In operation, the digital
control channel processor 1295 provides demodulation of the control
channel signal 1287 to extract the instructions contained therein
in order to generate a control signal 1293. In particular, the
control signal 1293 generated by the digital control channel
processor 1295 in response to instructions received via the control
channel can be used to select the particular channel signals 1294
along with the corresponding pilot signal 1291 and/or clock
reference 1288 to be used for converting the frequencies of channel
signals 1294 for transmission via wireless interface 1111. It
should be noted that in circumstances where the control channel
signal 1287 conveys the instructions via modulation of the pilot
signal 1291, the pilot signal 1291 can be extracted via the digital
control channel processor 1295 rather than the analog front-end
1286 as shown.
[0152] The digital control channel processor 1295 may be
implemented via a processing module such as a microprocessor,
micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central
processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic
device, state machine, logic circuitry, digital circuitry, an
analog to digital converter, a digital to analog converter and/or
any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based
on hard coding of the circuitry and/or operational instructions.
The processing module may be, or further include, memory and/or an
integrated memory element, which may be a single memory device, a
plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of another
processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing
unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access
memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory,
dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that
stores digital information. Note that if the processing module
includes more than one processing device, the processing devices
may be centrally located (e.g., directly coupled together via a
wired and/or wireless bus structure) or may be distributedly
located (e.g., cloud computing via indirect coupling via a local
area network and/or a wide area network). Further note that the
memory and/or memory element storing the corresponding operational
instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the
microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,
microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate
array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry,
digital circuitry, an analog to digital converter, a digital to
analog converter or other device. Still further note that, the
memory element may store, and the processing module executes, hard
coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to at least
some of the steps and/or functions described herein and such a
memory device or memory element can be implemented as an article of
manufacture.
[0153] The local oscillator 1292 generates the local oscillator
signal 1297 utilizing the pilot signal 1291 to reduce distortion
during the frequency conversion process. In various embodiments the
pilot signal 1291 is at the correct frequency and phase of the
local oscillator signal 1297 to generate the local oscillator
signal 1297 at the proper frequency and phase to convert the
channel signals 1294 at the carrier frequency associated with their
placement in the spectrum of the distributed antenna system to
their original/native spectral segments for transmission to fixed
or mobile communication devices. In this case, the local oscillator
1292 can employ bandpass filtration and/or other signal
conditioning to generate a sinusoidal local oscillator signal 1297
that preserves the frequency and phase of the pilot signal 1291. In
other embodiments, the pilot signal 1291 has a frequency and phase
that can be used to derive the local oscillator signal 1297. In
this case, the local oscillator 1292 employs frequency division,
frequency multiplication or other frequency synthesis, based on the
pilot signal 1291, to generate the local oscillator signal 1297 at
the proper frequency and phase to convert the channel signals 1294
at the carrier frequency associated with their placement in the
spectrum of the distributed antenna system to their original/native
spectral segments for transmission to fixed or mobile communication
devices.
[0154] The mixer 1296 operates based on the local oscillator signal
1297 to shift the channel signals 1294 in frequency to generate
frequency converted channel signals 1298 at their corresponding
original/native spectral segments. While a single mixing stage is
shown, multiple mixing stages can be employed to shift the channel
signals to baseband and/or one or more intermediate frequencies as
part of the total frequency conversion. The transmitter (Xmtr)
front-end 1284 includes a power amplifier and impedance matching to
wirelessly transmit the frequency converted channel signals 1298 as
a free space wireless signals via one or more antennas, such as
antennas 1124, to one or more mobile or fixed communication devices
in range of the communication node 1104B-E.
[0155] Turning now to FIG. 12I, a block diagram 1285 illustrating
an example, non-limiting embodiment of a receiver is shown. In
particular, a receiver 1281 is shown for use with, for example,
transmitter 1282 and digital control channel processor 1295 in a
transceiver, such as transceiver 1233 presented in conjunction with
FIG. 12C. As shown, the receiver 1281 includes an analog receiver
(RCVR) front-end 1283, local oscillator 1292, and mixer 1296. The
digital control channel processor 1295 operates under control of
instructions from the control channel to generate the pilot signal
1291, control channel signal 1287 and clock reference signal
1278.
[0156] The control signal 1293 generated by the digital control
channel processor 1295 in response to instructions received via the
control channel can also be used to select the particular channel
signals 1294 along with the corresponding pilot signal 1291 and/or
clock reference 1288 to be used for converting the frequencies of
channel signals 1294 for reception via wireless interface 1111. The
analog receiver front end 1283 includes a low noise amplifier and
one or more filters or other frequency selection to receive one or
more selected channels signals 1294 under control of the control
signal 1293.
[0157] The local oscillator 1292 generates the local oscillator
signal 1297 utilizing the pilot signal 1291 to reduce distortion
during the frequency conversion process. In various embodiments the
local oscillator employs bandpass filtration and/or other signal
conditioning, frequency division, frequency multiplication or other
frequency synthesis, based on the pilot signal 1291, to generate
the local oscillator signal 1297 at the proper frequency and phase
to frequency convert the channel signals 1294, the pilot signal
1291, control channel signal 1287 and clock reference signal 1278
to the spectrum of the distributed antenna system for transmission
to other communication nodes 1104A-E. In particular, the mixer 1296
operates based on the local oscillator signal 1297 to shift the
channel signals 1294 in frequency to generate frequency converted
channel signals 1298 at the desired placement within spectrum
spectral segment of the distributed antenna system for coupling to
the amplifier 1238, to transceiver 1236A for amplification and
retransmission via the transceiver 1236A back to the communication
node 1104A or upstream communication nodes 1104B-E for further
retransmission back to a base station, such as macro base station
1102, for processing. Again, while a single mixing stage is shown,
multiple mixing stages can be employed to shift the channel signals
to baseband and/or one or more intermediate frequencies as part of
the total frequency conversion.
[0158] Turning now to FIG. 13A, a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method 1300, is shown. Method 1300 can
be used with one or more functions and features presented in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-12. Method 1300 can begin with step 1302
in which a base station, such as the macro base station 1102 of
FIG. 11A, determines a rate of travel of a communication device.
The communication device can be a mobile communication device such
as one of the mobile devices 1106 illustrated in FIG. 11B, or
stationary communication device (e.g., a communication device in a
residence, or commercial establishment). The base station can
communicate directly with the communication device utilizing
wireless cellular communications technology (e.g., LTE), which
enables the base station to monitor the movement of the
communication device by receiving location information from the
communication device, and/or to provide the communication device
wireless communication services such as voice and/or data services.
During a communication session, the base station and the
communication device exchange wireless signals that operate at a
certain native/original carrier frequency (e.g., a 900 MHz band,
1.9 GHz band, a 2.4 GHz band, and/or a 5.8 GHz band, etc.)
utilizing one or more spectral segments (e.g., resource blocks) of
a certain bandwidth (e.g., 10-20 MHz). In some embodiments, the
spectral segments are used according to a time slot schedule
assigned to the communication device by the base station.
[0159] The rate of travel of the communication device can be
determined at step 1302 from GPS coordinates provided by the
communication device to the base station by way of cellular
wireless signals. If the rate of travel is above a threshold (e.g.,
25 miles per hour) at step 1304, the base station can continue to
provide wireless services to the communication device at step 1306
utilizing the wireless resources of the base station. If, on the
other hand, the communication device has a rate of travel below the
threshold, the base station can be configured to further determine
whether the communication device can be redirected to a
communication node to make available the wireless resources of the
base station for other communication devices.
[0160] For example, suppose the base station detects that the
communication device has a slow rate of travel (e.g., 3 mph or near
stationary). Under certain circumstances, the base station may also
determine that a current location of the communication device
places the communication device in a communication range of a
particular communication node 1104. The base station may also
determine that the slow rate of travel of the communication device
will maintain the communication device within the communication
range of the particular communication node 1104 for a sufficiently
long enough time (another threshold test that can be used by the
base station) to justify redirecting the communication device to
the particular communication node 1104. Once such a determination
is made, the base station can proceed to step 1308 and select the
communication node 1104 that is in the communication range of the
communication device for providing communication services
thereto.
[0161] Accordingly, the selection process performed at step 1308
can be based on a location of the communication device determined
from GPS coordinates provided to the base station by the
communication device. The selection process can also be based on a
trajectory of travel of the communication device, which may be
determined from several instances of GPS coordinates provided by
the communication device. In some embodiments, the base station may
determine that the trajectory of the communication device will
eventually place the communication device in a communication range
of a subsequent communication node 1104 neighboring the
communication node selected at step 1308. In this embodiment, the
base station can inform multiple communication nodes 1104 of this
trajectory to enable the communication nodes 1104 coordinate a
handoff of communication services provided to the communication
device.
[0162] Once one or more communication nodes 1104 have been selected
at step 1308, the base station can proceed to step 1310 where it
assigns one or more spectral segments (e.g., resource blocks) for
use by the communication device at a first carrier frequency (e.g.,
1.9 GHz). It is not necessary for the first carrier frequency
and/or spectral segments selected by the base station to be the
same as the carrier frequency and/or spectral segments in use
between the base station and the communication device. For example,
suppose the base station and the communication device are utilizing
a carrier frequency at 1.9 GHz for wireless communications between
each other. The base station can select a different carrier
frequency (e.g., 900 MHz) at step 1310 for the communication node
selected at step 1308 to communicate with the communication device.
Similarly, the base station can assign spectral segment(s) (e.g.,
resource blocks) and/or a timeslot schedule of the spectral
segment(s) to the communication node that differs from the spectral
segment(s) and/or timeslot schedule in use between the base station
and the communication device.
[0163] At step 1312, the base station can generate first modulated
signal(s) in the spectral segment(s) assigned in step 1310 at the
first carrier frequency. The first modulated signal(s) can include
data directed to the communication device, the data representative
of a voice communication session, a data communication session, or
a combination thereof. At step 1314, the base station can
up-convert (with a mixer, bandpass filter and other circuitry) the
first modulated signal(s) at the first native carrier frequency
(e.g., 1.9 GHz) to a second carrier frequency (e.g., 80 GHz) for
transport of such signals in one or more frequency channels of a
downlink spectral segment 1206 which is directed to the
communication node 1104 selected at step 1308. Alternatively, the
base station can provide the first modulated signal(s) at the first
carrier frequency to the first communication node 1104A
(illustrated in FIG. 11A) for up-conversion to the second carrier
frequency for transport in one or more frequency channels of a
downlink spectral segment 1206 directed to the communication node
1104 selected at step 1308.
[0164] At step 1316, the base station can also transmit
instructions to transition the communication device to the
communication node 1104 selected at step 1308. The instructions can
be directed to the communication device while the communication
device is in direct communications with the base station utilizing
the wireless resources of the base station. Alternatively, the
instructions can be communicated to the communication node 1104
selected at step 1308 by way of a control channel 1202 of the
downlink spectral segment 1206 illustrated in FIG. 12A. Step 1316
can occur before, after or contemporaneously with steps
1312-1314.
[0165] Once the instructions have been transmitted, the base
station can proceed to step 1318 where it transmits in one or more
frequency channels of a downlink spectral segment 1206 the first
modulated signal at the second carrier frequency (e.g., 80 GHz) for
transmission by the first communication node 1104A (illustrated in
FIG. 11A). Alternatively, the first communication node 1104A can
perform the up-conversion at step 1314 for transport of the first
modulated signal at the second carrier frequency in one or more
frequency channels of a downlink spectral segment 1206 upon
receiving from the base station the first modulated signal(s) at
the first native carrier frequency. The first communication node
1104A can serve as a master communication node for distributing
downlink signals generated by the base station to downstream
communication nodes 1104 according to the downlink spectral
segments 1206 assigned to each communication node 1104 at step
1310. The assignment of the downlink spectral segments 1206 can be
provided to the communication nodes 1104 by way of instructions
transmitted by the first communication node 1104A in the control
channel 1202 illustrated in FIG. 12A. At step 1318, the
communication node 1104 receiving the first modulated signal(s) at
the second carrier frequency in one or more frequency channels of a
downlink spectral segment 1206 can be configured to down-convert it
to the first carrier frequency, and utilize the pilot signal
supplied with the first modulated signal(s) to remove distortions
(e.g., phase distortion) caused by the distribution of the downlink
spectral segments 1206 over communication hops between the
communication nodes 1104B-D. In particular, the pilot signal can be
derived from the local oscillator signal used to generate the
frequency up-conversion (e.g. via frequency multiplication and/or
division). When down conversion is required the pilot signal can be
used to recreate a frequency and phase correct version of the local
oscillator signal (e.g. via frequency multiplication and/or
division) to return the modulated signal to its original portion of
the frequency band with minimal phase error. In this fashion, the
frequency channels of a communication system can be converted in
frequency for transport via the distributed antenna system and then
returned to their original position in the spectrum for
transmission to wireless client device.
[0166] Once the down-conversion process is completed, the
communication node 1104 can transmit at step 1322 the first
modulated signal at the first native carrier frequency (e.g., 1.9
GHz) to the communication device utilizing the same spectral
segment assigned to the communication node 1104. Step 1322 can be
coordinated so that it occurs after the communication device has
transitioned to the communication node 1104 in accordance with the
instructions provided at step 1316. To make such a transition
seamless, and so as to avoid interrupting an existing wireless
communication session between the base station and the
communication device, the instructions provided in step 1316 can
direct the communication device and/or the communication node 1104
to transition to the assigned spectral segment(s) and/or time slot
schedule as part of and/or subsequent to a registration process
between the communication device and the communication node 1104
selected at step 1308. In some instances such a transition may
require that the communication device to have concurrent wireless
communications with the base station and the communication node
1104 for a short period of time.
[0167] Once the communication device successfully transitions to
the communication node 1104, the communication device can terminate
wireless communications with the base station, and continue the
communication session by way of the communication node 1104.
Termination of wireless services between the base station and the
communication device makes certain wireless resources of the base
station available for use with other communication devices. It
should be noted that although the base station has in the foregoing
steps delegated wireless connectivity to a select communication
node 1104, the communication session between base station and the
communication device continues as before by way of the network of
communication nodes 1104 illustrated in FIG. 11A. The difference
is, however, that the base station no longer needs to utilize its
own wireless resources to communicate with the communication
device.
[0168] In order to provide bidirectional communications between the
base station and the communication device, by way of the network of
communication nodes 1104, the communication node 1104 and/or the
communication device can be instructed to utilize one or more
frequency channels of one or more uplink spectral segments 1210 on
the uplink illustrated in FIG. 12A. Uplink instructions can be
provided to the communication node 1104 and/or communication device
at step 1316 as part of and/or subsequent to the registration
process between the communication device and the communication node
1104 selected at step 1308. Accordingly, when the communication
device has data it needs to transmit to the base station, it can
wirelessly transmit second modulated signal(s) at the first native
carrier frequency which can be received by the communication node
1104 at step 1324. The second modulated signal(s) can be included
in one or more frequency channels of one or more uplink spectral
segments 1210 specified in the instructions provided to the
communication device and/or communication node at step 1316.
[0169] To convey the second modulated signal(s) to the base
station, the communication node 1104 can up-convert these signals
at step 1326 from the first native carrier frequency (e.g., 1.9
GHz) to the second carrier frequency (e.g., 80 GHz). To enable
upstream communication nodes and/or the base station to remove
distortion, the second modulated signal(s) at the second carrier
frequency can be transmitted at step 1328 by the communication node
1104 with one or more uplink pilot signals 1208. Once the base
station receives the second modulated signal(s) at the second
carrier frequency via communication node 1104A, it can down-convert
these signals at step 1330 from the second carrier frequency to the
first native carrier frequency to obtain data provided by the
communication device at step 1332. Alternatively, the first
communication node 1104A can perform the down-conversion of the
second modulated signal(s) at the second carrier frequency to the
first native carrier frequency and provide the resulting signals to
the base station. The base station can then process the second
modulated signal(s) at the first native carrier frequency to
retrieve data provided by the communication device in a manner
similar or identical to how the base station would have processed
signals from the communication device had the base station been in
direct wireless communications with the communication device.
[0170] The foregoing steps method 1300 provide a way for a base
station 1102 to make available wireless resources (e.g., sector
antennas, spectrum) for fast moving communication devices and in
some embodiments increase bandwidth utilization by redirecting slow
moving communication devices to one or more communication nodes
1104 communicatively coupled to the base station 1102. For example,
suppose a base station 1102 has ten (10) communication nodes 1104
that it can redirect mobile and/or stationary communication devices
to. Further suppose that the 10 communication nodes 1104 have
substantially non-overlapping communication ranges.
[0171] Further suppose, the base station 1102 has set aside certain
spectral segments (e.g., resource blocks 5, 7 and 9) during
particular timeslots and at a particular carrier frequency, which
it assigns to all 10 communication nodes 1104. During operations,
the base station 1102 can be configured not to utilize resource
blocks 5, 7 and 9 during the timeslot schedule and carrier
frequency set aside for the communication nodes 1104 to avoid
interference. As the base station 1102 detects slow moving or
stationary communication devices, it can redirect the communication
devices to different ones of the 10 communication nodes 1104 based
on the location of the communication devices. When, for example,
the base station 1102 redirects communications of a particular
communication device to a particular communication node 1104, the
base station 1102 can up-convert resource blocks 5, 7 and 9 during
the assigned timeslots and at the carrier frequency to one or more
spectral range(s) on the downlink (see FIG. 12A) assigned to the
communication node 1104 in question.
[0172] The communication node 1104 in question can also be assigned
to one or more frequency channels of one or more uplink spectral
segments 1210 on the uplink which it can use to redirect
communication signals provided by the communication device to the
base station 1102. Such communication signals can be up-converted
by the communication node 1104 according to the assigned uplink
frequency channels in one or more corresponding uplink spectral
segments 1210 and transmitted to the base station 1102 for
processing. The downlink and uplink frequency channel assignments
can be communicated by the base station 1102 to each communication
node 1104 by way of a control channel as depicted in FIG. 12A. The
foregoing downlink and uplink assignment process can also be used
for the other communication nodes 1104 for providing communication
services to other communication devices redirected by the base
station 1102 thereto.
[0173] In this illustration, the reuse of resource blocks 5, 7 and
9 during a corresponding timeslot schedule and carrier frequency by
the 10 communication nodes 1104 can effectively increase bandwidth
utilization by the base station 1102 up to a factor of 10. Although
the base station 1102 can no longer use resource blocks 5, 7 and 9
it set aside for the 10 communication nodes 1104 for wirelessly
communicating with other communication devices, its ability to
redirect communication devices to 10 different communication nodes
1104 reusing these resource blocks effectively increases the
bandwidth capabilities of the base station 1102. Accordingly,
method 1300 in certain embodiments can increase bandwidth
utilization of a base station 1102 and make available resources of
the base station 1102 for other communication devices.
[0174] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the base
station 1102 can be configured to reuse spectral segments assigned
to communication nodes 1104 by selecting one or more sectors of an
antenna system of the base station 1102 that point away from the
communication nodes 1104 assigned to the same spectral segments.
Accordingly, the base station 1102 can be configured in some
embodiments to avoid reusing certain spectral segments assigned to
certain communication nodes 1104 and in other embodiments reuse
other spectral segments assigned to other communication nodes 1104
by selecting specific sectors of the antenna system of the base
station 1102. Similar concepts can be applied to sectors of the
antenna system 1124 employed by the communication nodes 1104.
Certain reuse schemes can be employed between the base station 1102
and one or more communication nodes 1104 based on sectors utilized
by the base station 1102 and/or the one or more communication nodes
1104.
[0175] Method 1300 also enables the reuse of legacy systems when
communication devices are redirected to one or more communication
nodes. For example, the signaling protocol (e.g., LTE) utilized by
the base station to wirelessly communicate with the communication
device can be preserved in the communication signals exchanged
between the base station and the communication nodes 1104.
Accordingly, when assigning spectral segments to the communication
nodes 1104, the exchange of modulated signals in these segments
between the base station and the communication nodes 1104 can be
the same signals that would have been used by the base station to
perform direct wireless communications with the communication
device. Thus, legacy base stations can be updated to perform the up
and down-conversion process previously described, with the added
feature of distortion mitigation, while all other functions
performed in hardware and/or software for processing modulated
signals at the first native carrier frequency can remain
substantially unaltered. It should also be noted that, in further
embodiments, channels from an original frequency band can be
converted to another frequency band utilizing by the same protocol.
For example, LTE channels in the 2.5 GHz band can be up-converted
into a 80 GHZ band for transport and then down-converted as 5.8 GHz
LTE channels if required for spectral diversity.
[0176] It is further noted that method 1300 can be adapted without
departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. For example,
when the base station detects that a communication device has a
trajectory that will result in a transition from the communication
range of one communication node to another, the base station (or
the communication nodes in question) can monitor such a trajectory
by way of periodic GPS coordinates provided by the communication
device, and accordingly coordinate a handoff of the communication
device to the other communication node. Method 1300 can also be
adapted so that when the communication device is near a point of
transitioning from the communication range of one communication
node to another, instructions can be transmitted by the base
station (or the active communication node) to direct the
communication device and/or the other communication node to utilize
certain spectral segments and/or timeslots in the downlink and
uplink channels to successfully transition communications without
interrupting an existing communication session.
[0177] It is further noted that method 1300 can also be adapted to
coordinate a handoff of wireless communications between the
communication device and a communication node 1104 back to the base
station when the base station or the active communication node 1104
detects that the communication device will at some point transition
outside of a communication range of the communication node and no
other communication node is in a communication range of the
communication device. Other adaptations of method 1300 are
contemplated by the subject disclosure. It is further noted that
when a carrier frequency of a downlink or uplink spectral segment
is lower than a native frequency band of a modulated signal, a
reverse process of frequency conversion would be required. That is,
when transporting a modulated signal in a downlink or uplink
spectral segment frequency down-conversion will be used instead of
up-conversion. And when extracting a modulated signal in a downlink
or uplink spectral segment frequency up-conversion will be used
instead of down-conversion. Method 1300 can further be adapted to
use the clock signal referred to above for synchronizing the
processing of digital data in a control channel. Method 1300 can
also be adapted to use a reference signal that is modulated by
instructions in the control channel or a clock signal that is
modulated by instructions in the control channel.
[0178] Method 1300 can further be adapted to avoid tracking of
movement of a communication device and instead direct multiple
communication nodes 1104 to transmit the modulated signal of a
particular communication device at its native frequency without
knowledge of which communication node is in a communication range
of the particular communication device. Similarly, each
communication node can be instructed to receive modulated signals
from the particular communication device and transport such signals
in certain frequency channels of one or more uplink spectral
segments 1210 without knowledge as to which communication node will
receive modulated signals from the particular communication device.
Such an implementation can help reduce the implementation
complexity and cost of the communication nodes 1104.
[0179] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 13A, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0180] Turning now to FIG. 13B, a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method 1335, is shown. Method 1335 can
be used with one or more functions and features presented in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-12. Step 1336 includes receiving, by a
system including circuitry, a first modulated signal in a first
spectral segment directed to a mobile communication device, wherein
the first modulated signal conforms to a signaling protocol. Step
1337 includes converting, by the system, the first modulated signal
in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal at a
first carrier frequency based on a signal processing of the first
modulated signal and without modifying the signaling protocol of
the first modulated signal, wherein the first carrier frequency is
outside the first spectral segment. Step 1338 includes
transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with the first
modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to a network
element of a distributed antenna system, the reference signal
enabling the network element to reduce a phase error when
reconverting the first modulated signal at the first carrier
frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral
segment for wireless distribution of the first modulated signal to
the mobile communication device in the first spectral segment.
[0181] In various embodiments, the signal processing does not
require either analog to digital conversion or digital to analog
conversion. The transmitting can comprise transmitting to the
network element the first modulated signal at the first carrier
frequency as a free space wireless signal. The first carrier
frequency can be in a millimeter-wave frequency band.
[0182] The first modulated signal can be generated by modulating
signals in a plurality of frequency channels according to the
signaling protocol to generate the first modulated signal in the
first spectral segment. The signaling protocol can comprise a
Long-Term Evolution (LTE) wireless protocol or a fifth generation
cellular communications protocol.
[0183] Converting by the system can comprise up-converting the
first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first
modulated signal at the first carrier frequency or down-converting
the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency. Converting
by the network element can comprises down-converting the first
modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment or up-converting the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment.
[0184] The method can further include receiving, by the system, a
second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency from the
network element, wherein the mobile communication device generates
the second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, and
wherein the network element converts the second modulated signal in
the second spectral segment to the second modulated signal at the
second carrier frequency and transmits the second modulated signal
at the second carrier frequency. The method can further include
converting, by the system, the second modulated signal at the
second carrier frequency to the second modulated signal in the
second spectral segment; and sending, by the system, the second
modulated signal in the second spectral segment to a base station
for processing.
[0185] The second spectral segment can differ from the first
spectral segment, and wherein the first carrier frequency can
differ from the second carrier frequency. The system can be mounted
to a first utility pole and the network element can be mounted to a
second utility pole.
[0186] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 13B, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0187] Turning now to FIG. 13C, a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method 1340, is shown. Method 1335 can
be used with one or more functions and features presented in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-12. Step 1341 include receiving, by a
network element of a distributed antenna system, a reference signal
and a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency, the
first modulated signal including first communications data provided
by a base station and directed to a mobile communication device.
Step 1342 includes converting, by the network element, the first
modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in a first spectral segment based on a signal
processing of the first modulated signal and utilizing the
reference signal to reduce distortion during the converting. Step
1343 includes wirelessly transmitting, by the network element, the
first modulated signal at the first spectral segment to the mobile
communication device.
[0188] In various embodiments the first modulated signal conforms
to a signaling protocol, and the signal processing converts the
first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first
modulated signal at the first carrier frequency without modifying
the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal. The
converting by the network element can include converting the first
modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment without modifying
the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal. The method
can further include receiving, by the network element, a second
modulated signal in a second spectral segment generated by the
mobile communication device, converting, by the network element,
the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the
second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency; and
transmitting, by the network element, to an other network element
of the distributed antenna system the second modulated signal at
the second carrier frequency. The other network element of the
distributed antenna system can receive the second modulated signal
at the second carrier frequency, converts the second modulated
signal at the second carrier frequency to the second modulated
signal in the second spectral segment, and provides the second
modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the base station
for processing. The second spectral segment can differs from the
first spectral segment, and the first carrier frequency can differ
from the second carrier frequency.
[0189] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 13C, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0190] Turning now to FIG. 13D, a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method 1345, is shown. Method 1345 can
be used with one or more functions and features presented in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-12. Step 1346 includes receiving, by a
system including circuitry, a first modulated signal in a first
spectral segment directed to a mobile communication device, wherein
the first modulated signal conforms to a signaling protocol. Step
1347 includes converting, by the system, the first modulated signal
in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal at a
first carrier frequency based on a signal processing of the first
modulated signal and without modifying the signaling protocol of
the first modulated signal, wherein the first carrier frequency is
outside the first spectral segment. Step 1348 includes
transmitting, by the system, instructions in a control channel to
direct a network element of the distributed antenna system to
convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency
to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. Step
1349 includes transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with
the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the
network element of a distributed antenna system, the reference
signal enabling the network element to reduce a phase error when
reconverting the first modulated signal at the first carrier
frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral
segment for wireless distribution of the first modulated signal to
the mobile communication device in the first spectral segment,
wherein the reference signal is transmitted at an out of band
frequency relative to the control channel.
[0191] In various embodiments, the control channel is transmitted
at a frequency adjacent to the first modulated signal at the first
carrier frequency and/or at a frequency adjacent to the reference
signal. The first carrier frequency can be in a millimeter-wave
frequency band. The first modulated signal can be generated by
modulating signals in a plurality of frequency channels according
to the signaling protocol to generate the first modulated signal in
the first spectral segment. The signaling protocol can comprise a
Long-Term Evolution (LTE) wireless protocol or a fifth generation
cellular communications protocol.
[0192] The converting by the system can comprises up-converting the
first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first
modulated signal at the first carrier frequency or down-converting
the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency. The
converting by the network element can comprise down-converting the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment or up-converting the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment.
[0193] The method can further include receiving, by the system, a
second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency from the
network element, wherein the mobile communication device generates
the second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, and
wherein the network element converts the second modulated signal in
the second spectral segment to the second modulated signal at the
second carrier frequency and transmits the second modulated signal
at the second carrier frequency. The method can further include
converting, by the system, the second modulated signal at the
second carrier frequency to the second modulated signal in the
second spectral segment; and sending, by the system, the second
modulated signal in the second spectral segment to a base station
for processing.
[0194] The second spectral segment can differ from the first
spectral segment, and wherein the first carrier frequency can
differ from the second carrier frequency. The system can be mounted
to a first utility pole and the network element can be mounted to a
second utility pole.
[0195] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 13D, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0196] Turning now to FIG. 13E, a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method 1350, is shown. Method 1350 can
be used with one or more functions and features presented in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-12. Step 1351 includes receiving, by a
network element of a distributed antenna system, a reference
signal, a control channel and a first modulated signal at a first
carrier frequency, the first modulated signal including first
communications data provided by a base station and directed to a
mobile communication device, wherein instructions in the control
channel direct the network element of the distributed antenna
system to convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier
frequency to the first modulated signal in a first spectral
segment, wherein the reference signal is received at an out of band
frequency relative to the control channel. Step 1352 includes
converting, by the network element, the first modulated signal at
the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the
first spectral segment in accordance with the instructions and
based on a signal processing of the first modulated signal and
utilizing the reference signal to reduce distortion during the
converting. Step 1353 includes wirelessly transmitting, by the
network element, the first modulated signal at the first spectral
segment to the mobile communication device.
[0197] In various embodiments, the control channel can be received
at a frequency adjacent to the first modulated signal at the first
carrier frequency and/or adjacent to the reference signal.
[0198] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 13E, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0199] Turning now to FIG. 13F, a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method 1355, is shown. Method 1355 can
be used with one or more functions and features presented in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-12. Step 1356 includes receiving, by a
system including circuitry, a first modulated signal in a first
spectral segment directed to a mobile communication device, wherein
the first modulated signal conforms to a signaling protocol. Step
1357 includes converting, by the system, the first modulated signal
in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal at a
first carrier frequency based on a signal processing of the first
modulated signal and without modifying the signaling protocol of
the first modulated signal, wherein the first carrier frequency is
outside the first spectral segment. Step 1358 includes
transmitting, by the system, instructions in a control channel to
direct a network element of the distributed antenna system to
convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency
to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. Step
1359 includes transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with
the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the
network element of a distributed antenna system, the reference
signal enabling the network element to reduce a phase error when
reconverting the first modulated signal at the first carrier
frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral
segment for wireless distribution of the first modulated signal to
the mobile communication device in the first spectral segment,
wherein the reference signal is transmitted at an in-band frequency
relative to the control channel.
[0200] In various embodiments, the instructions are transmitted via
modulation of the reference signal. The instructions can be
transmitted as digital data via an amplitude modulation of the
reference signal. The first carrier frequency can be in a
millimeter-wave frequency band. The first modulated signal can be
generated by modulating signals in a plurality of frequency
channels according to the signaling protocol to generate the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment. The signaling
protocol can comprise a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) wireless protocol
or a fifth generation cellular communications protocol.
[0201] The converting by the system can comprises up-converting the
first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first
modulated signal at the first carrier frequency or down-converting
the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency. The
converting by the network element can comprise down-converting the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment or up-converting the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment.
[0202] The method can further include receiving, by the system, a
second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency from the
network element, wherein the mobile communication device generates
the second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, and
wherein the network element converts the second modulated signal in
the second spectral segment to the second modulated signal at the
second carrier frequency and transmits the second modulated signal
at the second carrier frequency. The method can further include
converting, by the system, the second modulated signal at the
second carrier frequency to the second modulated signal in the
second spectral segment; and sending, by the system, the second
modulated signal in the second spectral segment to a base station
for processing.
[0203] The second spectral segment can differ from the first
spectral segment, and wherein the first carrier frequency can
differ from the second carrier frequency. The system can be mounted
to a first utility pole and the network element can be mounted to a
second utility pole.
[0204] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 13F, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0205] Turning now to FIG. 13G, a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method 1360, is shown. Method 1360 can
be used with one or more functions and features presented in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-12. Step 1361 includes receiving, by a
network element of a distributed antenna system, a reference
signal, a control channel and a first modulated signal at a first
carrier frequency, the first modulated signal including first
communications data provided by a base station and directed to a
mobile communication device, wherein instructions in the control
channel direct the network element of the distributed antenna
system to convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier
frequency to the first modulated signal in a first spectral
segment, and wherein the reference signal is received at an in-band
frequency relative to the control channel. Step 1362 includes
converting, by the network element, the first modulated signal at
the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the
first spectral segment in accordance with the instructions and
based on a signal processing of the first modulated signal and
utilizing the reference signal to reduce distortion during the
converting. Step 1363 includes wirelessly transmitting, by the
network element, the first modulated signal at the first spectral
segment to the mobile communication device.
[0206] In various embodiments, the instructions are received via
demodulation of the reference signal and/or as digital data via an
amplitude demodulation of the reference signal.
[0207] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 13G, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0208] Turning now to FIG. 13H, a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method 1365, is shown. Method 1365 can
be used with one or more functions and features presented in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-12. Step 1366 includes receiving, by a
system including circuitry, a first modulated signal in a first
spectral segment directed to a mobile communication device, wherein
the first modulated signal conforms to a signaling protocol. Step
1367 includes converting, by the system, the first modulated signal
in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal at a
first carrier frequency based on a signal processing of the first
modulated signal and without modifying the signaling protocol of
the first modulated signal, wherein the first carrier frequency is
outside the first spectral segment. Step 1368 includes
transmitting, by the system, instructions in a control channel to
direct a network element of the distributed antenna system to
convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency
to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. Step
1369 includes transmitting, by the system, a clock signal with the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the
network element of a distributed antenna system, wherein the clock
signal synchronizes timing of digital control channel processing of
the network element to recover the instructions from the control
channel.
[0209] In various embodiments, the method further includes
transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with the first
modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to a network
element of a distributed antenna system, the reference signal
enabling the network element to reduce a phase error when
reconverting the first modulated signal at the first carrier
frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral
segment for wireless distribution of the first modulated signal to
the mobile communication device in the first spectral segment. The
instructions can be transmitted as digital data via the control
channel.
[0210] In various embodiments, the first carrier frequency can be
in a millimeter-wave frequency band. The first modulated signal can
be generated by modulating signals in a plurality of frequency
channels according to the signaling protocol to generate the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment. The signaling
protocol can comprise a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) wireless protocol
or a fifth generation cellular communications protocol.
[0211] The converting by the system can comprises up-converting the
first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first
modulated signal at the first carrier frequency or down-converting
the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency. The
converting by the network element can comprise down-converting the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment or up-converting the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment.
[0212] The method can further include receiving, by the system, a
second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency from the
network element, wherein the mobile communication device generates
the second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, and
wherein the network element converts the second modulated signal in
the second spectral segment to the second modulated signal at the
second carrier frequency and transmits the second modulated signal
at the second carrier frequency. The method can further include
converting, by the system, the second modulated signal at the
second carrier frequency to the second modulated signal in the
second spectral segment; and sending, by the system, the second
modulated signal in the second spectral segment to a base station
for processing.
[0213] The second spectral segment can differ from the first
spectral segment, and wherein the first carrier frequency can
differ from the second carrier frequency. The system can be mounted
to a first utility pole and the network element can be mounted to a
second utility pole.
[0214] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 13H, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0215] Turning now to FIG. 13I, a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method 1370, is shown. Method 1370 can
be used with one or more functions and features presented in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-12. Step 1371 includes receiving, by a
network element of a distributed antenna system, a clock signal, a
control channel and a first modulated signal at a first carrier
frequency, the first modulated signal including first
communications data provided by a base station and directed to a
mobile communication device, wherein the clock signal synchronizes
timing of digital control channel processing by the network element
to recover instructions from the control channel, wherein the
instructions in the control channel direct the network element of
the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated
signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal
in a first spectral segment. Step 1372 includes converting, by the
network element, the first modulated signal at the first carrier
frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral
segment in accordance with the instructions and based on a signal
processing of the first modulated signal. Step 1373 includes
wirelessly transmitting, by the network element, the first
modulated signal at the first spectral segment to the mobile
communication device. In various embodiments, the instructions are
received as digital data via the control channel.
[0216] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 13I, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0217] Turning now to FIG. 13J, a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method 1375, is shown. Method 1375 can
be used with one or more functions and features presented in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-12. Step 1376 includes receiving, by a
system including circuitry, a first modulated signal in a first
spectral segment directed to a mobile communication device, wherein
the first modulated signal conforms to a signaling protocol. Step
1377 includes converting, by the system, the first modulated signal
in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal at a
first carrier frequency based on a signal processing of the first
modulated signal and without modifying the signaling protocol of
the first modulated signal, wherein the first carrier frequency is
outside the first spectral segment. Step 1378 includes
transmitting, by the system, instructions in an ultra-wideband
control channel to direct a network element of the distributed
antenna system to convert the first modulated signal at the first
carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first
spectral segment. Step 1359 includes transmitting, by the system, a
reference signal with the first modulated signal at the first
carrier frequency to the network element of a distributed antenna
system, the reference signal enabling the network element to reduce
a phase error when reconverting the first modulated signal at the
first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first
spectral segment for wireless distribution of the first modulated
signal to the mobile communication device in the first spectral
segment.
[0218] In various embodiments, wherein the first reference signal
is transmitted at an in-band frequency relative to the
ultra-wideband control channel. The method can further include
receiving, via the ultra-wideband control channel from the network
element of a distributed antenna system, control channel data that
includes include: status information that indicates network status
of the network element, network device information that indicates
device information of the network element or an environmental
measurement indicating an environmental condition in proximity to
the network element. The instructions can further include a channel
spacing, a guard band parameter, an uplink/downlink allocation, or
an uplink channel selection.
[0219] The first modulated signal can be generated by modulating
signals in a plurality of frequency channels according to the
signaling protocol to generate the first modulated signal in the
first spectral segment. The signaling protocol can comprise a
Long-Term Evolution (LTE) wireless protocol or a fifth generation
cellular communications protocol.
[0220] The converting by the system can comprises up-converting the
first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first
modulated signal at the first carrier frequency or down-converting
the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency. The
converting by the network element can comprise down-converting the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment or up-converting the
first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment.
[0221] The method can further include receiving, by the system, a
second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency from the
network element, wherein the mobile communication device generates
the second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, and
wherein the network element converts the second modulated signal in
the second spectral segment to the second modulated signal at the
second carrier frequency and transmits the second modulated signal
at the second carrier frequency. The method can further include
converting, by the system, the second modulated signal at the
second carrier frequency to the second modulated signal in the
second spectral segment; and sending, by the system, the second
modulated signal in the second spectral segment to a base station
for processing.
[0222] The second spectral segment can differ from the first
spectral segment, and wherein the first carrier frequency can
differ from the second carrier frequency. The system can be mounted
to a first utility pole and the network element can be mounted to a
second utility pole.
[0223] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 13J, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0224] Turning now to FIG. 13K, a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a method 1380, is shown. Method 1380 can
be used with one or more functions and features presented in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-12. Step 1381 includes receiving, by a
network element of a distributed antenna system, a reference
signal, an ultra-wideband control channel and a first modulated
signal at a first carrier frequency, the first modulated signal
including first communications data provided by a base station and
directed to a mobile communication device, wherein instructions in
the ultra-wideband control channel direct the network element of
the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated
signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal
in a first spectral segment, and wherein the reference signal is
received at an in-band frequency relative to the control channel.
Step 1382 includes converting, by the network element, the first
modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first
modulated signal in the first spectral segment in accordance with
the instructions and based on a signal processing of the first
modulated signal and utilizing the reference signal to reduce
distortion during the converting. Step 1383 includes wirelessly
transmitting, by the network element, the first modulated signal at
the first spectral segment to the mobile communication device.
[0225] In various embodiments, wherein the first reference signal
is received at an in-band frequency relative to the ultra-wideband
control channel. The method can further include transmitting, via
the ultra-wideband control channel from the network element of a
distributed antenna system, control channel data that includes
include: status information that indicates network status of the
network element, network device information that indicates device
information of the network element or an environmental measurement
indicating an environmental condition in proximity to the network
element. The instructions can further include a channel spacing, a
guard band parameter, an uplink/downlink allocation, or an uplink
channel selection.
[0226] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 13K, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0227] In the subject specification, terms such as "store,"
"storage," "data store," data storage," "database," and
substantially any other information storage component relevant to
operation and functionality of a component, refer to "memory
components," or entities embodied in a "memory" or components
comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the memory
components described herein can be either volatile memory or
nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile
memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatile memory
1320 (see below), non-volatile memory 1322 (see below), disk
storage 1324 (see below), and memory storage 1346 (see below).
Further, nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory
(ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM
(EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory.
Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM), which acts
as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not
limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM
(SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data
rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM
(SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the
disclosed memory components of systems or methods herein are
intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising, these
and any other suitable types of memory.
[0228] Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter
can be practiced with other computer system configurations,
including single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems,
mini-computing devices, mainframe computers, as well as personal
computers, hand-held computing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, watch,
tablet computers, netbook computers, . . . ), microprocessor-based
or programmable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like.
The illustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed
computing environments where tasks are performed by remote
processing devices that are linked through a communications
network; however, some if not all aspects of the subject disclosure
can be practiced on stand-alone computers. In a distributed
computing environment, program modules can be located in both local
and remote memory storage devices.
[0229] The embodiments described herein can employ artificial
intelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more features
described herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection with
automatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a
maximum value/benefit after addition to an existing communication
network) can employ various AI-based schemes for carrying out
various embodiments thereof. Moreover, the classifier can be
employed to determine a ranking or priority of the each cell site
of the acquired network. A classifier is a function that maps an
input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . , xn), to a
confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,
f(x)=confidence(class). Such classification can employ a
probabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring
into the analysis utilities and costs) to prognose or infer an
action that a user desires to be automatically performed. A support
vector machine (SVM) is an example of a classifier that can be
employed. The SVM operates by finding a hypersurface in the space
of possible inputs, which the hypersurface attempts to split the
triggering criteria from the non-triggering events. Intuitively,
this makes the classification correct for testing data that is
near, but not identical to training data. Other directed and
undirected model classification approaches include, e.g., naive
Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy
logic models, and probabilistic classification models providing
different patterns of independence can be employed. Classification
as used herein also is inclusive of statistical regression that is
utilized to develop models of priority.
[0230] As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the
embodiments can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained
(e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained
(e.g., via observing UE behavior, operator preferences, historical
information, receiving extrinsic information). For example, SVMs
can be configured via a learning or training phase within a
classifier constructor and feature selection module. Thus, the
classifier(s) can be used to automatically learn and perform a
number of functions, including but not limited to determining
according to a predetermined criteria which of the acquired cell
sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which of
the acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existing
communication network coverage, etc.
[0231] As used in this application, in some embodiments, the terms
"component," "system" and the like are intended to refer to, or
include, a computer-related entity or an entity related to an
operational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities,
wherein the entity can be either hardware, a combination of
hardware and software, software, or software in execution. As an
example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process
running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a
thread of execution, computer-executable instructions, a program,
and/or a computer. By way of illustration and not limitation, both
an application running on a server and the server can be a
component. One or more components may reside within a process
and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one
computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In
addition, these components can execute from various computer
readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The
components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such
as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets
(e.g., data from one component interacting with another component
in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such
as the Internet with other systems via the signal). As another
example, a component can be an apparatus with specific
functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or
electronic circuitry, which is operated by a software or firmware
application executed by a processor, wherein the processor can be
internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part
of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a
component can be an apparatus that provides specific functionality
through electronic components without mechanical parts, the
electronic components can include a processor therein to execute
software or firmware that confers at least in part the
functionality of the electronic components. While various
components have been illustrated as separate components, it will be
appreciated that multiple components can be implemented as a single
component, or a single component can be implemented as multiple
components, without departing from example embodiments.
[0232] Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a
method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard
programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software,
firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer
to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of
manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer
program accessible from any computer-readable device or
computer-readable storage/communications media. For example,
computer readable storage media can include, but are not limited
to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,
magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital
versatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,
card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art will
recognize many modifications can be made to this configuration
without departing from the scope or spirit of the various
embodiments.
[0233] In addition, the words "example" and "exemplary" are used
herein to mean serving as an instance or illustration. Any
embodiment or design described herein as "example" or "exemplary"
is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word example
or exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an
inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless
specified otherwise or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is
intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X
employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.
In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application
and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one
or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be
directed to a singular form.
[0234] Moreover, terms such as "user equipment," "mobile station,"
"mobile," subscriber station," "access terminal," "terminal,"
"handset," "mobile device" (and/or terms representing similar
terminology) can refer to a wireless device utilized by a
subscriber or user of a wireless communication service to receive
or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming or
substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing
terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with reference to the
related drawings.
[0235] Furthermore, the terms "user," "subscriber," "customer,"
"consumer" and the like are employed interchangeably throughout,
unless context warrants particular distinctions among the terms. It
should be appreciated that such terms can refer to human entities
or automated components supported through artificial intelligence
(e.g., a capacity to make inference based, at least, on complex
mathematical formalisms), which can provide simulated vision, sound
recognition and so forth.
[0236] As employed herein, the term "processor" can refer to
substantially any computing processing unit or device comprising,
but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;
single-processors with software multithread execution capability;
multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software
multithread execution capability; multi-core processors with
hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; and parallel
platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor
can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a
field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic
controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or
any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as,
but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors,
switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance
performance of user equipment. A processor can also be implemented
as a combination of computing processing units.
[0237] As used herein, terms such as "data storage," data storage,"
"database," and substantially any other information storage
component relevant to operation and functionality of a component,
refer to "memory components," or entities embodied in a "memory" or
components comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the
memory components or computer-readable storage media, described
herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory or can
include both volatile and nonvolatile memory.
[0238] Memory disclosed herein can include volatile memory or
nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile and nonvolatile
memory. By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile
memory can include read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM),
electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM
(EEPROM) or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random access
memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way of
illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms
such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM
(SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM
(ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).
The memory (e.g., data storages, databases) of the embodiments are
intended to comprise, without being limited to, these and any other
suitable types of memory.
[0239] What has been described above includes mere examples of
various embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for
purposes of describing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in
the art can recognize that many further combinations and
permutations of the present embodiments are possible. Accordingly,
the embodiments disclosed and/or claimed herein are intended to
embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that
fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in
either the detailed description or the claims, such term is
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a
transitional word in a claim.
* * * * *